Manx charity brands patient quiet room decision 'disgraceful'

Offer of 'four seats in the corner' of new Liverpool lounge to replace facility

A Manx charity says it is 'disgraceful that Liverpool John Lennon Airport treat the sick and injured this way' - following claims the airport will be closing a patient quiet room it funded.

Manx Breast Cancer Support Group says it's put more than £15,000 into the service which over 12,000 patients use each year.

The charity campaigned for the room, which opened back in 2017, at a cost of £10,000 to the group.

In 2019 it was extended at a cost of £5,000.

In the meantime, the charity has also replaced some damaged furniture and covered the cost of general upkeep.

Chair Julie Stokes says they found out through a third party yesterday (19 September) that the airport is set to move its Aspire Lounge upstairs and the quiet room is to close 'without further discussion'.

She says the only offer made so far - of four seats in the corner of the new lounge - is not good enough:

The Manx Breast Cancer Support Group has thanked everyone who has offered their support, including MHKs, Manx Care, the Department of Health and Social Care and members of the public.

It's appealing to people to reach out to their local MHK to make their support known.

A spokesperson for Liverpool John Lennon Airport told Manx Radio: “We are in discussions with Manx Breast Cancer Support Group and remain committed to providing a quiet room for cancer patients at the Airport.

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

You can hear more from Julie in our latest Newscast: