A Manx family has criticised the island’s patient transfer system after their relative, who underwent major kidney surgery in Oxford, was told he would need to organise part of his own journey back to the island.
The patient, who had a partial nephrectomy after being diagnosed with kidney cancer, was referred to Oxford because it is understood to be the only centre in the UK able to carry out the procedure on patients with a single kidney.
He spent time in ICU following the operation and has been recovering on a specialist renal ward since April 28.
Transport Arrangements
Relatives say the journey to and from Oxford is already challenging, involving a flight to Birmingham, a train journey where seats are not guaranteed, and a taxi to the Churchill Hospital.
They say staff at the hospital, from surgeons to nurses and reception teams, did everything they could to help.
According to the family, Isle of Man Patient Transfers confirmed the return flight but advised that the patient would need to arrange his own travel from the hospital to Birmingham Airport, with the option to “claim the costs back”.
With an 8.30am flight, the family say this would require either leaving Oxford at 4am or paying for an overnight stay near the airport.
Unreasonable
They argue that expecting someone who has just undergone major abdominal surgery to stand on a train for an hour, or to manage the logistics themselves, is unreasonable.
“Dad was in ICU a week ago,” the family said. “The lack of support, compassion and communication is sickening. We’re fortunate that we can step in and make sure he doesn’t have to do this alone, but what happens to patients who don’t have that support, or can’t afford it?”
They say formal complaints will be submitted and that they intend to raise the issue publicly, describing the situation as “disgraceful”.
Manx.News has approached Manx Care for comment.
