Talks over Guernsey Airport medical flights during closures

Health and airport workers are to meet to plan for the transportation of urgent medical cases during a series of closures of Guernsey Airport next year.

The Health and Social Services Department (HSSD) wants to devise a plan for the transfer of patients during four two-day closures in 2012.

In 2010, there were 209 flights for patients needing off-island treatment, the same figure as 2009.

HSSD said around six flights a year were for urgent, immediate treatment.

The meeting with airport and clinical staff will take place on 7 December.

Guernsey Airport will close on 20-21 March, 8-9 May, 27-28 November and 4-5 December 2012.

The dates were confirmed after a consultation with businesses and the public. Work will see the runway and other areas extended.