Detective Sergeant Lynne Skelly of the Isle of Man Constabulary Financial Crime Unit has confirmed that Dr Dirk Hoehmann, ENT Consultant at Noble's Hospital appeared in court this morning charged with an offence of obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception under the Theft Act 1981 and was remanded in custody. The Department of Health would like to reassure patients that this is a non clinical issue and that the duties of the doctor have been covered by other staff, to ensure that patient care is unaffected. It is not appropriate to comment further on any of the issues in this matter, at this time. ENDS