THE public still have a chance to have their say on proposed changes to the Island's diabetes service.

Two more public meetings will be held this week which will be attended by the Director of Health Strategy and Performance Norman McGregor Edwards.

The meetings have been organised after a working group, made up of patients, doctors and specialist medical staff, recommended that the current system of care for diabetics should change.

Over the last few years the number of people attending the Island's Diabetes Centre has reached an unsustainable level which has resulted in many patients facing longer waiting times than acceptable or necessary.

From February 1, over a period of several months, the Department of Health will gradually transfer the care of adults with good diabetic control and minimal complications from the Diabetes Centre to GP practices.

This move will bring diabetic care in the Isle of Man in line with current best practice and will release capacity at the Diabetes Centre for those patients who still need to be seen there.

The public meetings will allow patients to discuss the proposals and any concerns that they may have.

A meeting will be held at Castletown Commissioners Office tonight (Wednesday) at 7pm. There will also be a meeting at the Peel Masonic Lodge on Friday, January 21, at 7pm.

Anyone who requires further information can telephone 01624 642608.