Changes to airport patient quiet room 'shameful'

The current dedicated space has reclining chairs and a TV for patients and carers

Planned changes to a dedicated space within Liverpool John Lennon Airport for Manx residents receiving UK hospital treatment are "shameful", the charity that funded it has said.

The Manx Breast Cancer Support Group fundraised in 2017 to create the "quiet space" for patients travelling home, including those with cancer.

Chairwoman Julie Stokes said the charity has been told the space would be transformed into a private lounge, with four seats available for patients next year.

A spokesman for the facility said it was "committed to providing a quiet room for cancer patients at the airport" and bosses were "in discussions" with the charity.

“Changes are currently being made to the terminal to improve the customer experience which includes relocating the existing facility,” he added.

Hospitals in north-west England provide specialist treatment for Isle of Man residents when needed.

Ms Stokes said the charity had invested £15,000 in the space at the airport, which is located in the upper level of the departure lounge in the terminal, next to a prayer room.

Julie Stokes said 12,500 Manx patients travel through the airport each year, with many using the space

Ms Stokes, who is a breast cancer survivor, said she learned of the move via the island's health care provider Manx Care and the airport had since explained that the current area would be converted into a private lounge, with seats offered to patients.

There would be nowhere for those returning from hospital appointments to go during the works, she said.

Calling on the airport to "please reconsider or give us another space", she said the current dedicated area "gave people privacy and dignity".

"People do not want to go and sit in a posh lounge when they're feeling really sick," she said.

"Some of these patients are end-of-life, some are very sick, some have been through chemotherapy, so it's shocking that they should be made to sit in public areas."

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Manx Health Minister Lawrie Hooper said he was "very surprised and disappointed" about the decision and had offered his to support to the charity.

"Let's hope we can change minds," he added.