The government says it ’regrets’ the loss of the wheelchair loan service operated by the Red Cross.

The service will end later this year as a consequence of the charity’s decision to close its Isle of Man base at Braddan.

Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford said: ’This was a valuable and well used island-wide service, and I’m sad to see it go.

’Urgent efforts are being made by the department to assist other third sector organisations interested and able to take over wheelchair loan service in some form.’

Mr Ashford also responded to the charity’s assertion that its decision had followed the loss of the patient transfer contract in June 2018.

In a statement announcing the sale of its Braddan base, the Red Cross said: ’The decision follows the loss of a significant patient transport contract in June 2018 when the opportunity to tender for a contract renewal was withdrawn and patient transport services on the island were awarded to Bus Vannin.’

The charity also revealed that other bids for alternative contracts have also been unsuccessful.

Mr Ashford said: ’I’m aware a connection has been made between the charity’s decision to close its Braddan base and the loss of a commercial contract it had with the government, to provide patient transport services (PTS).

’Although this had been operated by the Red Cross for a decade previously, the charity’s tender to continue was well outside the department’s budget.

’The ending of the PTS contract with the Red Cross was driven entirely by the need to ensure best use of taxpayers’ money.’

The charity’s first aid training, Douglas shop and hospital trolley service will continue after the base is closed.