Tough times ahead for Island's health service

Referrals to Noble’s Hospital have increased by five per cent in the last three years.

Mounting challenges for the Department of Health are likely to lead to a review of how the NHS is operated.

Part of the pressure comes from a growing demand for services.

Procedures like blood tests have seen increases of 6,000 a year in recent times and radiology work went from 55,000 procedures to 68,000 between 2007 and 2012.

Demand for physiotherapy has gone up by 69 per cent since the self-referral system was introduced last year.

Minister David Anderson is predicting tough times ahead for the NHS:

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