There has been a marked increase in the number of patients being seen and treated at Noble's Hospital, according to the latest figures.

Comparing April this year with last, there was a rise of almost 25 per cent in the number of operations carried out, which equates to an extra 158 people having surgery.

Four hundred and seventy more people had their first outpatient appointments than a year ago, a rise of well over 32 per cent.

Health Minister Eddie Teare (pictured) says the boost in performance is not just down to extra money for waiting list initiatives.

He says his department has taken a close look at working practices in key areas like orthopaedics:



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