Four Noble’s Hospital medics are facing allegations of manslaughter.

It follows the death of a patient at the hospital on February 4.

James Joseph Shimmin, a 55-year-old man from Douglas, died having undergone a routine operation.

A police investigation involved a medical specialist based in the UK and independent UK legal advisers.

Now four medical practitioners - one anaesthetist and three consultant anaesthetists, employed by Manx Care - are being reported for the offence of manslaughter by gross negligence. The summonses were issued yesterday and today (Friday).

The police evidence from the investigation will be submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers where an initial court date will be determined some time in the early part of 2022.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Newey, the senior investigating officer, said: ’This matter not only has a significant impact on the anaesthetists involved, but also the widow of James and his family and friends.

’I would respectfully request that their privacy is respected at this time and speculation as to what has occurred, including social media comments are refrained from as this is the very early stages of a criminal process after which there will be the coronial process.’

The medics have not been charged by the police.

When someone was reported for summons, the court date is allocated on the issue of the summons by the Attorney General’s Chambers.

In a statement issued on behalf of Manx Care, the government said: 'Four clinicians have been reported for summons for the offence of Manslaughter by Gross Negligence in connection with an incident that took place at Noble’s Hospital in February 2021.

'The four individuals remain in work at this time.

'Manx Care is working to develop plans to mitigate the significant impact of this, and ensure that the delivery of health and social care services is maintained, working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care and the island’s National Security Council.

'Given that this is an ongoing legal process, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this stage.'