The Royal College of Surgeons approved the Department of Health's plans to appoint a general surgeon with a specialist interest in breast surgery in May.
The Island's Health Minister David Anderson MHK made it clear that the approval was not a way of downgrading the current level of breast care in the Isle of Man.
Concern had been raised by many people who felt that the decision to advertise for a general surgeon instead of a specialist breast cancer consultant was wrong.
However in May Mr Anderson said the facts had become "muddied and confused" and said people saw the difference in job titles - between the new position and the existing position - as a downgrade.
He 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.
"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.
"I feel that perhaps the facts have become muddied and confused in some quarters."
Stephen Upsdell, the medical director at Noble's Hospital, said: "The hospital is well aware of the need to maintain the skills of its doctors many of whom are expected to perform general duties as well as having a special interest. This applies to all of the general physicians and general surgeons already employed at Noble's.
"It is stated clearly in both the job description and advertisement for the new post in general surgery with a special interest in breast surgery that 'continuing professional development including visiting other units will be encouraged to ensure that skills are maintained in all relevant areas'."
The Department of Health published a question and answer information leaflet in May outlining the key decisions it has made for the future of breast care in the Isle of Man.
Update: In October the Department announced a new surgeon had been appointed and would be in place early 2012. For more on this click here.
This story is part of isleofman.com's Review of the Year 2011.
