No resignations as some off-island ops are saved

UNDER-PRESSURE Health and Social Services board members yesterday refused to resign despite accusations that they are 'politically inept'.

The criticism came on the same day that the department announced a U-turn on last week's short-notice decision to postpone all off-island elective and non-urgent surgical procedures in December.

It disclosed yesterday that it had struck a discount deal with University Hospital Southampton, which had not been available a few days ago when the emergency measures to keep within a predicted £2.5m. overspend were released.

The development means that 180 operations can now go ahead. However, operations in other off-island hospitals and non-urgent on-island treatment will still be postponed indefinitely.

HSSD deputy minister Barry Brehaut said a vote of no confidence debate, which is now certain, would give members the opportunity to debate the challenges the department was facing.