A NUMBER of services held within the Assessment and Therapy Centre at the Ramsey District Cottage Hospital are being moved.
From Tuesday, February 1, services currently held within the centre will be relocated as follows:
• The fortnightly rheumatology clinic will be held in the Ramsey District Cottage Hospital outpatient clinic area
• Rheumatology and anticoagulation blood samples will be taken in the Ramsey District Cottage Hospital phlebotomy clinic
• ECG’s and glucose tolerance testing will be incorporated into the Ramsey District Cottage Hospital outpatient department services
• Phase four cardiac follow-up will be carried out solely by the Ramsey Group Practice to avoid duplication of services and in line with other Isle of Man GP practices.
Health Minister David Anderson MHK explained: "I would like to assure the patients concerned of the department's continuing commitment to the provision of high quality services in the most appropriate location for their specific needs with the minimum of disruption.
"The new arrangements are the result of a continuing review of all services provided by the Department of Health to ensure that our resources are used in the most effective way whilst providing value for money to the tax-paying public."
Occupational therapy and some physiotherapy services will continue to be provided within the Assessment and Therapy Centre area.
The wound management clinic will continue to function for now but will be relocated to a more suitable facility within Ramsey District Cottage Hospital in due course.
The Post Hospital Discharge Group will hold its final session on Monday, January 31. From this date all patients requiring follow up care following discharge from Ramsey District Cottage Hospital will receive this care from the appropriate professional within the community.
Janet Grib, Ramsey District Cottage Hospital manager, said: "The patients affected by these changes will continue to receive a high standard of treatment, care and support to meet their individual needs from highly skilled professionals."
Patients affected by the changes will be informed in writing. Any patients, relatives or carers requiring further information, following receipt of their letter, should contact the RDCH Outpatient Department on 01624 811800.
