Wightlink increases support for Islanders travelling to the mainland for NHS appointments

Wightlink is making changes to further support Islanders with health issues who need to use its ferries. Every year around 12,000 Island residents cross the Solent for NHS appointments using Wightlink’s car ferries and FastCat foot passenger services.

From today, a price cap of £35 per single leg (£70 for a return journey) will apply for Isle of Wight residents who wish to take a vehicle to mainland NHS appointments at any time throughout the year. This ceiling will apply alongside the 50% discount that can result in fares lower than £35 a leg.

Wightlink Commercial Director Phil Delaney says: “Our experienced staff in the Contact Centre will continue to advise NHS patients on how Wightlink’s 50% discount will enable them to travel for the lowest fare. However, this price ceiling will reassure them that they will not pay more than £35 per single leg for a vehicle journey to the mainland for their NHS appointment.”

Customers booking these fares will continue to be required to provide evidence of their NHS appointments in order to access the discounts. Some travel costs incurred by Isle of Wight residents can also be refunded through a scheme run by the Isle of Wight Council and the NHS.

Over the last few months, Wightlink has held focus group meetings with Island health organisations and charities including Wessex Cancer Support, Healthwatch and Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, facilitated by Island communications specialists Robertson Foster. The ferry company has also taken into account customer feedback about fares for NHS travel at its Island Link Forum meetings at Fishbourne and Yarmouth.

As a result, Wightlink is embarking on a programme to develop its support for the Island’s health economy including:

• Closer links with the Island’s ambulance service.
• A dedicated assisted travel phone line, to be introduced shortly.
• A commitment to meet and establish closer relationships with Island organisations such as Wessex Cancer Support and the Daisy Chains children’s charity.

Phil Delaney adds: “We are grateful for the comments and suggestions received from our focus groups. As the issue of NHS travel is of great importance to our customers, we will continue to develop our services and bring in further enhancements.”

For more information about Wightlink, please contact:

Duty Media Officer

• 07870906189

• [email protected]