Island could lose GNAAS cover at end of March

Funding yet to be agreed between charity and Manx Care

The cost of the Great North Air Ambulance Service servicing the Isle of Man cannot be absorbed by the charity.

That's the message from its Chief Executive, as the future of the charity's links to the Island are called into question.

The healthcare body's Operating Plan for 2025/26 reveals that 'due to the additional costs of insurance and additional safety equipment required for travelling over water, £250k is required per annum' for GNAAS to service the Island.

Since the outset of the relationship between the two bodies, Manx Care has been paying a retainer fee to allow for this upkeep, alongside a tasking fee per shout the service responds to.

However, that funding has not been agreed for the upcoming financial year.

GNAAS confirmed to Manx Radio it is 'currently in talks' with the healthcare body.

In its operating plan, Manx Care admits that it is 'unlikely that the charity will be able to fundraise to this level each year' - casting doubt on the future of the service for Manx residents if Manx Care doesn't foot the bill.

Siobhán Fletcher caught up with the charity's Chief Executive Joe Garcia to find out more:

Mr Garcia told Manx Radio if the partnership with Manx Care were to cease, it would be difficult to re-start it, as it would come with great financial cost.

It's as the equipment currently needed to operate over the sea would not be needed if GNAAS went back to only serving Northern England.

Last year, the GNAAS critical care team responded to 23 incidents in the Isle of Man.

GNAAS has been working with Manx Care since March 2022, following a seven-month trial back in 2021.

Manx Radio has contacted Manx Care for comment.

You can hear the full conversation between Joe and Siobhán in our latest Newscast: