A recently formed care organisation is expressing disbelief, following a decision by the DHSS not to renew its contract with local firm Protours, to transport people with learning difficulties to day care centres.

Aggrieved Carers Helping Each Other, or ACHE, says it's concerned about the impact the decision could have on service users and their families, and claims health officials have failed to adequately investigate the social consequences of, what it calls, 'the cost cutting exercise'.

The contract has run for three years, is worth ?160,000 a year and involves a total of 9500 trips a year.

ACHE spokesman John Sheppard (pictured) sympathises with the health minister over the need to operate within budgets, but says business considerations shouldn't be the main consideration where health care is concerned: (audio clip)

ACHE says if the DHSS extends the Protours contract for six months it will delay by the same period its legal action against the Manx Government in the European Court of Human Rights over an alleged lack of care provision on the Island.

The DHSS says it's aiming to provide a range of options so people can make use of the day care service, while learning to travel independently.

A statement adds support will be provided so they can gain new skills which will increase their level of independence.

Every family affected will be spoken to, to see what level of help with transport would best suit their individual needs.