Manx Care has confirmed its plans to respond to TT 2026, one of the busiest and most demanding periods of the year for the Island’s health and care services.
In preparation for the increased demand during the event, the Emergency Department (ED) at Noble’s Hospital will have additional nursing and medical cover in place. This will support an enhanced response, alongside maintaining capacity to care for all patients who present requiring urgent or emergency treatment.
Manx Care has worked closely with colleagues at Aintree Major Trauma Centre to ensure specialist support is available for patients who sustain severe or multiple injuries and require urgent transfer off-Island.
Transfers will be facilitated either by Manx Care’s fixed-wing air ambulance service, which operates 24/7 and will support both racing-related and general incidents once patients have been stabilised at Noble’s Hospital, or by the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS). GNAAS teams can provide advanced pre-hospital care at the scene of an incident and, where required, transfer patients directly to specialist hospitals in the Northwest of England or to Noble’s Hospital. Their helicopters will be on standby in the North of England and available to respond to the Island as needed.
Noble’s Hospital orthopaedic trauma teams are resourced to meet increased demand, with additional trauma surgeons supporting the resident team throughout the TT period.
Additional Radiologist capacity will be provided to support the anticipated increase in demand alongside enhanced diagnostic capability for major trauma cases. Increased stocks of blood products have also been ordered to ensure preparedness in the event of emergency transfusions, including provision of blood products for use by the trackside medical team.
The Isle of Man Ambulance Service (IMAS) is preparing for a busy TT period and will receive mutual aid support, including additional paramedics and critical care paramedics from the UK, as well as a team from GNAAS based on the island during the event. In addition to its core ambulance fleet, IMAS will have access to a range of emergency response vehicles, including rapid response cars, critical care cars, and the A99 helicopter, which will support access to patients in hard-to-reach locations. The IMAS TT response will be coordinated through a 24/7 operational command structure, ensuring services can respond quickly and effectively by phone, road or air to those most in need.
The Minor Injuries and Illnesses Unit (MIU) at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital will remain fully staffed across the TT period, with X-ray services available seven days a week throughout the fortnight. This provision is vital in supporting residents and visitors in the north of the Island and helping to reduce pressure on the ED at Noble’s Hospital.
Wherever possible, routine services at Noble’s Hospital, including outpatient appointments, diagnostics, endoscopy, and clinically urgent surgery, will continue as normal. Planned surgical activity has been carefully managed, particularly within Orthopaedics, to ensure Noble’s has sufficient capacity to meet any increased demand associated with the event. Members of the public with planned appointments are advised to allow extra travel time, particularly during road closures, and to contact the Patient Information Centre on +44 1624 650103 if they are unable to attend.
Manx Care’s TT signposting brochure provides information on the range of healthcare services available during the event, including GP and pharmacy provision, emergency dental and optical care, mental health support, and advice on self-care. The brochure is available in six languages and can be accessed via the Signposting webpage.
Shaun Stacey, Interim Executive Director of Operations at Manx Care, said:
'Colleagues have been working closely with partners over many months to continually strengthen our TT plans. Our focus is on providing safe, high-quality care to everyone who needs us during the event, while maintaining essential services for our local population despite the significant seasonal increase in visitors. We hope this will provide reassurance to residents and visitors alike.'
Manx Care is also reminding visitors to ensure they have appropriate health insurance in place for the duration of their stay, and to bring sufficient prescription medications and any essential medical items with them.
Manx Care have published the TT 2026 Operational Plan which can be viewed on the Manx Care webpages. Updates will also be shared on Manx Care social media platforms.
