A new information leaflet has been launched which is set to smooth the way for island patients travelling to the UK for hospital appointments.

The leaflet explains how journeys are organised by the patient transfer office at Noble’s Hospital, after a patient is referred to a UK specialist, usually in the north-west of England.

It outlines each step of the journey, from airport check-in and transfers to the special assistance available for patients during their journey, support for relatives or friends travelling with them, and overnight stays.

About 10,500 return journeys to the UK for patients are organised each year, at a cost of £3.5 million.

The leaflet has been funded by the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, whose chairman, Julie Stokes, said: ’We’re really pleased to provide these leaflets for all patients using the patient transfer service.

’They contain lots of useful information and phone numbers to help them cope with what can be a tiring and stressful day.’

She added: ’Getting through airport security is a worry for many patients, particularly those who travel with Stoma bags or are wearing wigs and headscarves - understandably, these people are concerned about searches.

’We wanted to produce a leaflet which would help them get through with the minimum of fuss and embarrassment.’

The leaflet features photographs of the ’quiet rooms ’available to travelling patients at Isle of Man and Liverpool airports, which offer comfortable, private places to rest while waiting for flights.

The rooms were created in a partnership between the charity, airport authorities and the Department of Infrastructure.

At the launch of the leaflet, David Gawne, the president of the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, said that improvements had been made to the way airports and their staff treat travelling patients.

He said: ’In most cases it has been all about education and drawing attention to the needs of the person who is travelling.’

He added: ’The leaflet is an excellent example of the third sector and government working together to create a better patient experience.

Clare Bettison, a political member of the Department of Health and Social Care, thanked the charity for funding the leaflets, saying: ’They make the information available and accessible to patients when they most need it.’

Copies of the leaflet are available at Noble’s Hospital reception and GP surgeries.

It is also available to download via the government website.