Manx2.com’s 5.35pm arrival from Chester this evening (Friday 10th July) will mark the end of the current DHSS Patient Transfer Contract.
Over the last six months, Manx2.com’s Chester service has achieved a 100% record for reliability and received praise from almost everyone who has used it.
Since January 2009, Manx2.com has provided the Department of Health and Social Security with a regular charter service between the Island and Chester Airport, enabling Manx residents to get to their appointments at UK hospitals.
The service was provided at the request of the DHSS and has had to meet specifically tailored requirements. Also, despite frequent bad weather including snow and gales last winter not one flight has been cancelled, and 98% of flights arrived on time or early.
Manx2.com’s chairman, Noel Hayes, said 'It is sad that today’s flight is the last of the current contract, but that sadness is mixed with a great deal of pride for having completed the 6 month contract so successfully.
'When Isle of Man patients are travelling to UK hospitals they are inevitably nervous, and just want to get there on time and to be properly looked after on the way.
'Manx2 staff and our handling agents have been fantastic at caring for customers and on arrival at Chester Airport the patients have been in their taxis within two minutes of landing and taken straight to their appointment. '
'Many of the taxi drivers have commented on the ease of the transfers to and from Chester and how the Manx patients have found the whole journey easy and stress-free and our feedback forms confirm that.'
'Our service and flights have been consistently rated as excellent and that patients themselves describe Manx2’s service as ‘fantastic’, ‘personal, competent and reliable’, and ‘second to none’.
'Only last week, one of our young passengers took the trouble to write to us and described the service as 'kind and cool'. It’s comments like that which have really been really rewarding.
'As a Manx company, it has been our privilege to be able to make a difference to the lives of so many Manx people who’ve needed to go across for medical treatment.
'The staff at Manx2.com, our handling agents and crews have all gone to great lengths to give them an outstanding, caring service, and I am very proud of all the team whose commitment has made that possible,' Mr Hayes said.
The DHSS is now considering tenders for renewal of the Patient Transfer Contract and is expected to make a decision in the next few days.
Pictured: Noel Hayes, Chairman of Manx2.com
