Off-Island treatment costs revealed

Health Minister David Anderson says the NHS spent more than £10 million on sending patients off-Island over the last year.

Meanwhile, travel costs for patients, escorts and medical staff cost just under £2.5 million according to figures given in the House of Key yesterday.

Mr Anderson faced a question for written answer from South Douglas MHK Kate Beecroft on the topic.

He said in the last financial year, 8,127 people had been transferred to the UK for treatment.

The data given by Mr Anderson shows the Island spent two-thirds of the £10 million on just four hospitals: Liverpool Heart and Chest, Broadgreen, Alder Hey and Clatterbridge.

The Island’s air ambulance service was only needed for 395 patients while others travelled by commercial air, sea, rail and taxi services.

Mr Anderson says the vast majority of treatment was provided by healthcare trusts under contract, but in particular cases non-contract work was carried out.

In his reply, he says that cost the Island £677,000.