'Red Cross transport offer came over budget' - DHSC

Seven charity workers lose jobs in Gov't move

An offer from the Red Cross to continue running patient transport services on the Island came in way above budget, according to the Island's health minister.

It was announced last week  the charity would no longer take patients from home to hospital, after the Department of Health and Social Care awarded the contract to new operator, Bus Vannin.

The government-run bus company will take control of the service from 1 July.

It's been revealed the Red Cross, which has run the service for ten years, was the sole bidder in a tender process which sought a provider.

Five full-time and two part-time staff members are facing redundancy as a result of the decision, with a further nine staff affected.

Red Cross bosses expressed their, 'huge disappointment a strong application' had been rejected.

DHSC Minister David Ashford admitted the charity's bid was more expensive than the allocated budget, and subsequently a move 'in-house' was secured with Bus Vannin.