The Department of Health will operate all of its clinics as normal during the three day period of industrial action being taken by the Island’s bus drivers on Thursday 20, Friday 21, and Saturday 22 December.  Patients are advised to attend for scheduled appointments as normal, but those who are reliant upon public transport will need to check the revised timetable for these days as each bus route will be operating a Sunday/Bank Holiday service, meaning the schedule may differ.

Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK said: “The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure is planning to operate a comprehensive Island-wide public transport service – including trams and trains – albeit reduced to a Sunday/Bank Holiday timetable for busses.  We’re confident that the majority of staff will be able to make it to work as usual, and plans are in place to support those who may face issues, such as looking at car sharing.  Patients should therefore attend their appointment as planned.  I would ask that anyone who feels that they will be unable to attend their appointment contact the appropriate clinic as soon as possible using the telephone number on their appointment letter, so that their slot can be reallocated to another patient.”
 
Full bus and rail timetable information is available online at www.gov.im/publictransport/industrial_action.xml or by contacting the Public Transport Infoline on 663366.