Eurovision Won’t Impact Patients

Health Minister Lawrie Hooper says that Liverpool hosting Eurovision won’t impact on off-island hospital appointments.

He added that where people who require an overnight trip have to stay further away than usual, they will be transferred there at no cost.

Responding to concerns from Claire Christian (Douglas South), Mr Hooper said that Manx Care’s emergency planning team had been in discussions with its colleagues in Merseyside about plans for the period and said that there won’t be any difference in cost of services provided in this time.

He added: ‘Flights and taxi costs are unaffected as the rates are fixed through the government’s contract for air services with Loganair and taxi services in Liverpool with Computer Cabs Ltd.

‘There is no similar contract for accommodation, however prices can vary depending on the provider and are often cheaper further out of the city centre. Manx Care will facilitate patient’s transport from their accommodation to hospital as necessary.

‘However, the majority of patients from the Isle of Man travel for appointments which do not require an overnight stay and are able to return the same day. Manx Care has advised that they have had no communication from any of their partners that there has been or will be any impact on patients attending appointments due to Eurovision.’