Manx Care says that planned surgical patient numbers will not be reduced despite internal discussions about optimising theatre efficiency.
Reports have said that there are plans to reduce elective activity within theatres as part of the latest attempt to bring the organisation’s costs under control.
As part of its report, Manx Radio said that the letter suggests Manx Care is expecting an £5,761,000 overspend this year.
A Manx Care spokesperson said: “There are no reductions to the number of planned patients going through surgical theatres.”
They added, “Operating theatre utilisation is one of the highest cost areas within hospital services, at approximately £25 per minute.
“Therefore, the care group is looking to improve efficiency of theatre utilisation, without reducing the number of patients being treated.”
Reduction
The statement follows an internal email referencing a “reduction in elective activity,” which the spokesperson said “does not refer to a reduction in the number of patients treated. It instead refers specifically to the number of theatre sessions available.”
They said: “By increasing productivity in this space, with more patients going through each theatre session wherever possible, we reduce spending while maintaining, and in some areas improving, service delivery.”
They emphasised that adjustments only apply to the Critical Care, Theatres, Anaesthetics and Surgery (CCTAS) Care Group and will not impact Manx Care’s overall budget.
“No changes to elective theatre sessions will take place before November 2025,” the spokesperson added, adding that any adjustments would prioritise efficiency without compromising activity targets.
The spokesperson also cited improvements with Ophthalmology, where the number of patients treated per day has risen from an average of six to 16.
Similarly, Urology has “successfully piloted focused high-intensity theatre lists, doubling patient throughput on designated days.”
The Department of Health and Social Care was informed of the plans in late July.
Manx Care said that it regrets that the internal email was “shared outside of its intended context,” and that it is focus is on “delivering the highest standards of patient care while managing resources responsibly”.
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