Mum's desperate plea for help to get disabled daughter to UK

25-year-old waiting to find out if she requires leg amputation

A mother from Ramsey says she’s desperate for help after being left unable to get her disabled daughter to an urgent medical appointment in the United Kingdom.

Kirsten Watling’s daughter, 25-year-old Olivia, is waiting to find out if she requires her leg to be amputated.

She was supposed to travel to Wrightington Hospital in Wigan on Tuesday (28 July) on the Manxman, in a disabled cabin, for her appointment yesterday (29 July).

But with the three-year-old vessel out of service Kirsten says they’ve been left with limited options:

Investigations into what exactly has gone wrong with the shaft bearings on the £80 million Manxman are continuing.

It’s due to be out of service until the end of September.

You can find out more HERE.

The Ben-my-Chree has been drafted in to cover passengers services and the MV Arrow is being used to transport freight.

Manx Radio understands the cabins on the Ben-my-Chree are now being used as crew accommodation.

Concerns have also been raised about the number of seats available for passengers and the facilities onboard for those travelling to and from medical appointments via Patient Transfer.

Outgoing Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Tim Glover has told Manx Radio he's met with the Department of Health and Social Care to raise the issue: 

Manx Radio has invited the Steam Packet Company, Manx Care and the Department of Health and Social Care to respond.