The Isle of Man's health minister has announced that routine breast screening for women between the ages of 50 and 70 will resume at the end of the month.
On February 1st, it was momentarily put on hold by Manx Care to make room for modifications in the location of the tests' analysis. .
Before the results are reanalyzed at a UK hospital, a woman will be physically evaluated by an on-island radiographer, according to Lawrie Hooper.
He also said that screenings would resume in March and that more clinics were planned.
New agreements were being drafted, Mr. Hooper informed the House of Keys, with the Greater Manchester Breast Screening Program at Wythenshawe Hospital, which had previously been responsible for all the analysis of mammograms obtained on the island.
After Manx Care suggested bringing the service in line with UK standards, the new arrangements will first have an on-island radiographer evaluate the images.
Mr. Hooper claimed that in order to connect the mammography systems at Noble's Hospital and Wythenshawe, routine screenings had to be suspended.
In order to prevent any delays in their care while the service is suspended, six women have been referred directly to the Manchester hospital, he continued.
A week prior to the suspension, MHKs learned that approximately 150 women were being screened. When the system resumes operation, additional clinics will be held to make up any short-term backlog that may have developed.
Some members expressed worry that the public's anxiety may have been sparked by the temporary measure's announcement.
However, Mr. Hooper claimed that the brief delay "should not be adversely affecting individuals" and that it would bring Manx Care's service in line with UK best practice.
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