Extra staffing to support hospitals during TT

Additional staffing has been drafted in to support hospitals during this year's Isle of Man TT races amid a predicted rise in demand for health care services.

The annual two-week event, which started on Monday but was disrupted by rain, attracted more that 45,000 visitors last year.

Manx Care, said additional cover would support the emergency department and orthopaedics team at Noble's Hospital, as well as the island's ambulance service.

Radiology support at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital has also been secured to cope with the predicted rise in demand.

Executive director of health care services Oliver Radford said the organisation aimed to provide "the highest quality care" during the period, while trying to maintain "business as usual".

Additional blood products had been ordered to allow for any emergency blood transfusions required during the fortnight, he said.

The ambulance service would also have access to additional emergency response vehicles, such as critical care cars, rapid response cars and the A99 helicopter, which the body said would allow them to reach non-racing incidents in "hard-to-reach locations".

The health body has urged those with a minor injury or illness to use the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Ramsey Cottage Hospital to reduce pressure at the Emergency Department at the island's main hospital.

The health care provider said where possible services were being maintained across Noble's Hospital, but orthopaedics would be "significantly affected" as a result of the event.

Patients who are attending scheduled hospital appointments have been advised to "leave plenty of time for your journey".

Manx Care said the Ramsey MIU would be fully staffed across the fortnight, with X-ray provision from 09:00 to 17:00 BST on week days, as well as from 10:00 to 16:00 at weekends.

Visitors to the island have been reminded to make sure they have adequate health insurance in place to cover the duration of their trip and to bring prescription medications and any other medical items they may use daily with them to the island.

The Isle of Man TT race are set to run until 7 June.

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