Patient transfers to get access to private airport lounge

Patients travelling to the UK for treatment will be able to make use of a private lounge at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

A new agreement between the Patient Transfer service and XLR means any Isle of Man residents travelling through Liverpool for appointments will be able to use the privately-run XLR lounge where they can relax and get refreshments.

Coronavirus restrictions in the UK mean that patients must leave hospital after their appointment and should arrive at the airport no more than two hours before their flight – and for some, this has left a question over where to spend time between the two venues.

The lounge, situated in a separate building a short distance from the main terminal, will be available from Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm.

All patient transfer patients picked up by Comcabs after their appointment will now be taken directly to the XLR lounge if they arrive at the airport earlier than their check-in allows - meanwhile, those who're arranging their own transport should contact the Patient Transfer team who will arrange access.

Health and Social Care Minister, David Ashford MHK, says: "We understand that people may be concerned about having to travel to the UK during the pandemic, so knowing that we can offer a comfortable, secure and convenient place to wait is great.

"I thank the operators at XLR for working with us to help resolve the difficulties faced by some of our patients, and the Patient Transfer team for securing this arrangement."