Noble's Hospital currently has 314 beds and 20 wards

Noble's Hospital, in Braddan, will lose most of the beds with the merger of two gynaecology wards, though some will go into intensive and coronary care.

The Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS) is facing a �1.5m gap in its finances and wants to save half of the money through hospital cuts.

Health bosses have admitted patient waiting times could rise as a result.

Norman McGregor-Edwards, the island's Director of Health Strategy and Performance, told the BBC that hospital staff were "determined" not to see patient care suffer as a result of the cuts.

Rising energy costs

"What we must do is continue to maintain essential emergency services, so there is likely to be an effect on elective procedures, but we will try to keep that to an absolute minimum," he said.

"What we don't want is to have patients inconvenienced and waiting any longer than they absolutely have to.

"Unfortunately, patients are likely to see effects in waiting times because that is unavoidable.

"But the high standards of care will remain the same - that will not change," he added.

Tynwald voted to give the DHSS an extra �6.5m in January after the department revealed it was facing an �8m overspend.

The DHSS said an increased demand for services and rising energy costs contributed to the figure.

Health Minister Steve Rodan said the department would look to save the additional �1.5m through a review of services.

Noble's Hospital opened in July 2003 and currently has more than 300 beds in 20 wards.