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Patient Transfer service to Liverpool secured

Friday, 17 January 2014

The Department of Health and Department of Infrastructure, supported by Treasury, have concluded negotiations with Flybe over the airline’s commitment to its Liverpool route.  Flybe’s service to Liverpool is particularly important as it includes a contract with the Department of Health for the transfer of patients who require specialist healthcare in the North West of England.  Following negotiations, Flybe has announced its ongoing commitment to its Liverpool service, which will run three times a day including an early morning flight, enabling patients who are being transferred to Liverpool to make early morning appointments in UK hospitals. 

Uncertainty about the route and in particular the early morning flight to Liverpool came as a result of Flybe’s decision to close its on-Island operational base along with five others around the UK. 

Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK, said:

“I am pleased that we have been able to work with Flybe to secure the Liverpool route and that all important early morning flight, which means that patients can make their appointments at North West hospitals in good time.  I’d like to extend my thanks to officers within my Department and those within the Department of Infrastructure and Treasury who have all worked tirelessly to engage with Flybe and secure this vital air link. 

“As this will represent a reduced Liverpool service from Flybe, it’s particularly important that patients ensure they book their travel via our Patient Transfers Team as soon as they receive their appointment in order to secure a seat.”

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