New accident and emergency nurse posts look set to be created on the Isle of Wight following the announcement of extra government cash.

Three more posts are due to be created out of the £20m allocated for the south east.

Chief executive of the Island's healthcare NHS trust, Graham Elderfield, said the allocation for St Mary's Hospital, Newport, was due to be an additional £18,000 through to the end of March this year, and then a recurring annual sum of £75,000.

He confirmed to a meeting of the trust's board the funds would allow them to recruit three more nurses.

The extra government funding is aimed at reducing long waits in accident and emergency departments.