HEALTH Minister David Anderson MHK has said the facts have become "muddied and confused" concerning a row over the future of breast cancer care in the Island.

Last night Mr Anderson attended a public meeting that was organised by the Breast Cancer Action Group.

The group are angry over the Department of Health's decision to advertise for a general surgeon with a speciality in breast care instead of a specialist breast cancer consultant.

Speaking today (Tuesday) Mr Anderson 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."

The Department of Health has produced a leaflet outlining the future of breast care in the Island which can be downloaded from the Department of Health’s website – www.gov.im/health.

Mr Anderson continued: "I feel that perhaps the facts have become muddied and confused in some quarters and I sincerely hope that the questions and answers in this leaflet will help explain the true nature of the situation and how we plan to improve breast care for all the women of the Isle of Man."

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