Manx Newscast

The risk of a meningitis outbreak on the Isle of Man is 'very low indeed'.

That's the message from the Island's Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer, Matt Tyrer.

It comes following the death of two young people in the UK following an outbreak largely centred around the University of Kent in Canterbury.

But with questions around vaccinations prevalent in most news coverage - what is the advice to parents here who may be worried?

Siobhán Fletcher asked Dr Tyrer.

Parents on the Isle of Man are being encouraged to make sure their children have received all available meningitis vaccinations.

It follows an outbreak in the UK in which two young people have died, and several others are in hospital.

Beth Espey spoke to Brett Martin, whose 21-year-old son Lucas died from the disease in 2023.

He says his heart goes out to the families affected and is urging parents to do everything they can to ensure young people are as protected as possible:

Doctors on the Isle of Man have claimed a ‘critical shortfall’ in inpatient bed capacity at Noble’s Hospital is posing a direct risk to people’s lives.

The Medical Staff Committee is calling for ‘immediate government intervention’ to support the simultaneous demands of emergency admissions and planned surgery.

It claims that Manx Care has reduced the number of beds by 46 percent – something the health body disputes.

Chief Executive Teresa Cope told Manx Radio it’s been an ‘incredibly difficult’ winter and says efforts to configure wards have come at the ‘worst possible time’:

The Salvation Army says it's assisting clients with a combined total of £2.2m debt.

It's an increase of a million pounds from last year; this week marks Debt Awareness Week and year-on-year the charity says it has seen more people seeking assistance on how to manage their money better.

A local mobile catering van says it's 'disappointed' not to be visiting Castletown due to a dispute with the local authority.

Filbey's says it offered the commissioners 42 dates for the year, and after a number of emails the local authority returned with six that they could operate on.

The board says it was 'happy' for Filbey’s to have their mobile unit in Market Square, but the decision was 'made solely' by the business.

Co-Owner Jess Reeder-Katsipis [PRON: KAT-SIPIS] says they have 'no malice' towards the local authority and would love to go back to Castletown.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Jess, along with Scott and Adele Filbey:

Endometriosis affects around one in ten women - but for many, getting help can be a long and difficult journey.

Chloë Love, 31, has been living with severe symptoms for nearly two decades.

In this extended interview with Manx Radio’s Christian Jones, she speaks about chronic pain, spending her life savings on private surgery, and why she feels her concerns have not been fully heard.

A teenage 'mental health champion' is set to give a talk later this month about how his snakes and other 'unusual pets' have had a positive effect on his wellbeing.

Seventeen-year-old Jessie Quirk has ADHD, autism and severe social anxiety, alongside other mental health issues.

On 24 March he will give a talk at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin explaining how his four snakes have been a force for good in his life.

It's only in relatively recent times that a career in catering has earned the respect it deserves in the UK.

That's helped in no short part by the popularity of cookery programmes on TV and much greater awareness of healthy eating and interest in international cuisines.

George Harris is a talented young chef from the Isle of Man who trained initially at UCM and is now making waves in a Michelin starred restaurant in the Lake District.

Simon Richardson spoke to George and asked him what had inspired him to seek a career in the kitchen...

The chief minister says it's important Isle of Man residents understand the future potential economic impacts as the conflict in the Middle East continues into its 11th day.

This afternoon, Alfred Cannan will meet with senior ministers and officials to assess the potential inflationary pressures including increases in energy prices, as well as the potential impact on the economy more generally.

Speaking on Manx Radio Breakfast this morning, he says future fuel prices are expected to increase significantly and there are also other shortages which may have an impact.

Later this year, you're invited to take part in a world record for the largest Pilates class ever.

The low-impact exercise was created by Joseph Pilates at Knockaloe Internment Camp right here on the Isle of Man.

And in July, Ramsey Crookall, in collaboration with 34Moves and Visit Isle of Man, is aiming to break the current world record of 3,486 participants.

We speak to Ramsey Crookall CEO Joanna Crookall, Ruby Griffiths, Founder of 34Moves, and CEO of Visit Isle of Man, Deborah Heather.