Health chiefs say that essential air travel services for patients who need to visit the UK for hospital appointments have been secured.

It follows uncertainty over flights operated by Flybe after the airline announced it was closing its Isle of Man base along with five others around the UK. The Department of Health says early morning and evening flights to Liverpool, operated by Flybe, are continuing. Flybe has agreed to overnight aircraft and crew at Ronaldsway to enable them to meet the travel needs of Island patients.

Health Minister Howard Quayle said: 'The Department have continued to work with Flybe in the run up to the closure of their on-Island base to secure the schedule including the early morning flight, which means that patients can arrive for their appointments at north west hospitals in good time. The flights are, however, always busy and we would remind patients that they should arrange their flights with the Patient Transfer Team as soon as they receive their appointment letter from the UK.'

Got a story? Contact Joanne on 340000 or email newsdesk@manx.net