There is to be a comfortable, quiet space for patients making their way to and from Liverpool Airport for treatment, thanks to both airports and the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group.

Anyone travelling to England for treatments is at the mercy of the weather, flight delays and lack of space and seating in the departure lounges, especially when they are in pain or undergoing extensive often unpleasant medical interventions for distressing conditions.

Now, thanks to the lobbying of the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, there will be dedicated quiet spaces at both airports for the use of anyone, not just breast cancer patients, in this situation.

Carole Male of the Manx Breast Care Support Group said: ’This is something we’ve been working on for some time. Airport director Ann Reynolds has now been able to make space available at Ronaldsway and after some hard lobbying, we’ve now got the backing of Flybe at Liverpool John Lennon.

’Both these areas have been donated free of charge, and the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group will be furnishing and fitting them out so that they are comfortable and welcoming. The area next to the fast track area used by the patient transport organsers at Ronaldsway will now be a quiet place to relax for patients who are often nervous and worried about their treatments and appointments.’

She added: ’We’ve also had support from Heath and Social Care Minister Kate Beecroft.

’She understands how difficult it can be to be seated in the main lounge with people you know coming up and asking why you’re travelling, and has helped us secure this area. By providing it, the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group is supporting everyone who is ill and travelling for treatment, and enabling them to sit quietly in comfort, with their own thoughts.’

At Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Flybe has secured a quiet room airside, where Isle of Man patients can be accommodated in comfort.

’There is so little seating near the gates at the airport and many patients are left standing for long periods of time, often in pain,’ said Carole.

’So this new quiet room is just what we’ve been asking for, not just for breast cancer patients but for anyone who is unwell or travelling for treatment.

’We couldn’t have done this without the backing of Flybe, so I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s lobbied on our behalf, but particularly to Christine Ormieres, chief executive of Flybe and ground operational director Graham MacAskill, who have gone out of their way to help people from the Isle of Man when they’re facing traumatic consultations and treatments and just need some peace and quiet, in comfortable surroundings.’

Patient transfer taxis, p4.