Noble's Hospital currently has 314 beds and 20 wards

Noble's Hospital, in Braddan, will lose most of the 29 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) needs to save �1.5m.

President of the Trade Union Council, Bernard Moffatt, says the cuts could also affect staff morale.

He has written to the chief minister asking for the situation to be reviewed.

Mr Moffatt said: "If morale sinks to a certain level, it can be difficult to turn the corner with it.

Waiting times

"People are fairly steamed up about this, and quite rightly.

"I think the department needs to be reasoned in its reaction to that if people want to speak out, it's not because they want to cause problems, but they are genuinely concerned."

The 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.

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