Patient transfer service flights have been disrupted by the demise of Flybe.

But Health Minister David Ashford said a contingency plan was being activated.

Some 31 patients were booked to fly with Flybe for appointments on the day that the airline announced it was going into administration yesterday (Thursday).

Four subsequently sailed with the Steam Packet and the others are having their appointments and travel arrangements rescheduled.

Mr Ashford said: ’I’m very disappointed to hear about Flybe.

’We’ve had contingency planning in place for some time now and we have activated it in a phased approach.’

He said the patient transfer team were at Ronaldsway early on Thursday to meet any patients who had not heard about Flybe’s demise.

Mr Ashford said no one needing critical care has had their treatment delayed. If necessary the air ambulance would have been used to transport critically ill patients.

He said there was a similar number of patients due to travel today (Friday) and they would likely be disrupted too.

Airport bosses are in talks with other airlines to restore the Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham routes.

Mr Ashford said patients who wish to arrange their own transport will be reimbursed.

Patient transfer is looking to use the Steam Packet more and to bulk book hotel accommodation.

Mr Ashford said those patients booked to fly beyond next week will be contacted about rearranged flights and appointments and he urged them not to contact the patient transfer office yet.

Flybe had a three-year contract to provide the patient transfer service.

This contract was due to end in January next year.