Services currently provided within the Assessment and Therapy Centre (ATC) at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital (RDCH) will transfer to the Outpatient Department at RDCH, or to the appropriate community service, as from the 1st February 2011. Patients affected by these changes will be informed in writing, this week of the new arrangements for their continuing treatment and support. Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK, said, “I would like to assure the patients concerned of the Department’s continuing commitment to the provision of high quality services in the most appropriate location for their specific needs, with the minimum of disruption. The new arrangements are the result of a continuing review of all services provided by the Department of Health, to ensure that our resources are used in the most effective way, whilst providing value for money to the tax-paying public”. The services currently held within the Assessment and Therapy Centre at RDCH will be relocated as follows:- The fortnightly Rheumatology Clinic will be held in the RDCH Outpatient Clinic area Rheumatology and Anticoagulation blood samples will be taken in the RDCH Phlebotomy Clinic ECG’s and Glucose Tolerance Testing will be incorporated into the RDCH Outpatient Department services Phase 4 Cardiac Follow-up will be carried out solely by the Ramsey Group Practice, to avoid duplication of services and in line with other Isle of Man GP Practices. The Wound Management Clinic will continue to function as now, but will be relocated in due course to a larger, more suitable facility within RDCH. Occupational Therapy and some Physiotherapy services will continue to be provided within the Assessment and Therapy Centre area. The Post Hospital Discharge Group will hold its final session on Monday 31st January 2011, from this date all patients requiring follow-up care following discharge from RDCH will receive this care from the appropriate professional within the community. RDCH Hospital Manager, Janet Grib, added, “The patients affected by these changes will continue to receive a high standard of treatment, care and support to meet their individual needs, from highly skilled professionals. Any patients, relatives or carers requiring further information, following receipt of their letter, should contact the RDCH Outpatient Department on 811800”. - ENDS -