The government is facing another issue with health funding shortfalls, this time for patient transfers.
During TynwaldLawrie Hooper highlighted that Manx Care, the island’s health service, has only six months of budget allocated for its three-year contract with Loganair to provide non-urgent patient transfers.
“Manx Care is going to run out of money in six months to pay for this subvention,” Hooper warned.
The concern is that if Manx Care cannot meet its financial obligations, the Department for Enterprise (DfE) may need to step in to cover the shortfall, potentially increasing its subsidy to maintain air connectivity.
Tim Johnston, Minister for Enterprise acknowledged the challenges but stressed that patient transfers are just one aspect of the broader strategic air services policy.
He said: “Having suitable services which can provide for patients attending UK hospitals is one consideration, but by no means the only one, when determining the importance of any particular route.”
However, he could not confirm whether any contingency plans were in place if Manx Care’s funding runs out.
Strategy
The issue underscores the delicate balance between healthcare funding and maintaining essential air routes.
Mr Hooper pointed out that the government’s own Strategic Air Services Policy, approved in January, explicitly states that suitable frequency and schedule are essential for business, leisure, and patient transfer provision.
“You can’t just say that’s Manx Care’s job. It’s nothing to do with me,” he said, addressing Mr Johnston.
Chris Thomas and Julie Edge also sought reassurance about the future of subvented North West passenger services, noting that the Air Services Policy consultancy report was published in 2021.
Mr Thomas said” “We need some reassurance soon after this Tynwald, if not now, about exactly what’s happening to the North West in terms of preventing services as per the policy,.”
Mr Johnston assured members that there are no changes to the level of connectivity and that ongoing conversations are taking place.
“There is a constant ongoing dialogue with all the areas connected to the island,” he said.
Plan
In its Operating Plan, Manx Care, which recently announced a new three -year contract with Loganair for non-urgent transfers, said it has “circa six months of available budget to operate the Non-Urgent Patient Transfer Service in 2025/26 without intervention”.
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