Patients returning from hospital appointments in the UK have a comfortable venue in which to wait for their flights home, thanks to a new arrangement providing access to an executive lounge at Liverpool Airport.
Coronavirus restrictions in the UK mean that patients must leave hospital after their appointment and should arrive at the airport no more than two hours before their flight – and for some, this has left a question over where to spend time between the two venues.
Now, a solution has been found offering all patients from the Isle of Man travelling through Liverpool for their appointments, access to the privately-run XLR lounge at Liverpool Airport. The agreement between the Patient Transfer service and XLR provides a safe and peaceful area for patients to wait for their flight, where they are welcome to use the facilities and enjoy light refreshments.
The lounge, situated in a separate building a short distance from the main terminal, will be available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. All patient transfer patients picked up by Comcabs after their appointment will now be taken directly to the XLR lounge if they arrive at the airport earlier than their check-in allows. Those who are arranging their own transport should contact the Patient Transfer team who will arrange access to the lounge. Once the check-in desk is open, transport will be available to take patients to the terminal building.
Minister for Health and Social Care David Ashford said:
‘We understand that people may be concerned about having to travel to the UK during the pandemic, so knowing that we can offer a comfortable, secure and convenient place to wait is great. I thank the operators at XLR for working with us to help resolve the difficulties faced by some of our patients, and the Patient Transfer team for securing this arrangement.’
