The Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK, attended a public meeting yesterday evening called by the Breast Cancer Action Group who has raised concerns over the future of breast care in the Isle of Man. Addressing the meeting, the Minister outlined the Department of Health’s plans to not simply maintain the current level of breast care in the Isle of Man, but to enhance it. The Department of Health has devised a three stage plan to develop breast care in the Isle of Man, broken down into the three following stages: Fund and appoint a permanent Consultant Breast Surgeon Introduce a sentinel node biopsy service (this will reduce the amount of tissue that has to be examined to see if a cancer has spread) Introduce a planned breast reconstruction service Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK said “I want to make it quite clear to the public that we are in no way planning to downgrade or diminish the current level of breast care in the Isle of Man; in fact the opposite is true. We plan to enhance and expand the current service. “For the first time, we plan to permanently offer an on-Island sentinel node biopsy service and a planned breast reconstruction service, which safely meets our patients’ needs within our phased plan. These are real and significant developments, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to breast cancer care in the Isle of Man.” At the meeting, the Minister also moved to again reassure the public that the potential change in breast surgeon, which would see the current Locum post replaced by a permanent Consultant Surgeon, was a positive step and would provide the service within a dedicated Clinical Leader. The Minister added: “Employing a permanent member of staff removes any uncertainly surrounding the future of this service and any question of the Department’s commitment to it. We’re securing the service for the long term. I know that many people have seen the difference in job titles between the current Locum and the post we are going to advertise as representing some sort of downgrading of our breast care service. I say again, this is simply not true. Despite the difference in job titles, which is a technical matter, and based on the guidance of the Royal College of Surgeons, the level and standard of care and surgical capability of the new surgeon will be set at the exact same level as that of the current Locum.” The Department of Health has made available to a leaflet which can be downloaded from the Department of Health’s website, www.gov.im/health, and which will also shortly be available from key health service buildings across the Island. Copies can be requested by email at dh@gov.im or by calling 642608. - ENDS -