Over 2,500 waiting for urgent referrals at the start of the month

Over 2,500 people were waiting for an urgent referral appointment at the beginning of September.

That's according to figures from Health Minister Lawrie Hooper, in response to a written question by Onchan MHK Rob Callister. 

As well as this, almost 10,000 patients were waiting for a general referral.

Manx Care is currently undertaking a validation process across waiting lists, which has brought the number down by 2,181.

Mr Hooper adds that where appropriate patients will be contacted over the phone to discuss their referral to determine suitable next steps.