The Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK has confirmed that he will attend a public meeting arranged by the Breast Cancer Action Group this coming Monday, 9th May. The Minister said: “I have advised the Breast Cancer Action Group that I will attend the public meeting, where I will be accompanied by clinical colleagues. “The Department has set out its position in respect of breast care and surgery with great clarity, and on several occasions. I will be happy to reiterate the Department’s position and the rationale for deciding to recruit a new Consultant Surgeon with a special interest in breast care, at the meeting, where I will also be happy to respond to questions. “As per the statements I, my clinical colleagues, the Council of Isle of Man Cancer Charities and both Breakthrough Breast Cancer Isle of Man and Isle of Man Breast Care have made over the past few weeks; I understand the depth of feeling on this issue and again wish to reassure the public. The new Consultant Surgeon will provide the same exceptional level of care as the incumbent locum. It is however critical that we secure breast care on the Island for the long-term with the appointment of a permanent Consultant Surgeon. “Whilst the new Consultant Surgeon will assist with the on-call rota for general surgery, he or she will be classed as our Breast Care Surgeon. Out of hours general surgical cover will form only a minor part of their role, with their substantive work being in breast care, in which the Consultant will be trained to the standard expected of a Breast Surgeon in a UK Trust and will be able to deliver this service to patients in the Isle of Man. It is this special interest that will ensure that they meet the exacting standards of care currently enjoyed on-Island for breast care. “The appointment of a permanent Consultant Surgeon will actually enhance our breast care services. We are adding capacity to Outpatient Clinics and we will have an additional Theatre session. “The views of the public and breast cancer groups are very important, and I would reiterate that there will be a lay representative on the recruitment panel from one of the cancer charities, which I think is a very positive step.” - ENDS -