22/12/2023
For residents and visitors on the Isle of Man, understanding public transport links is crucial, especially when travelling to and from essential services like Nobles Hospital. This article delves into the specific bus routes that connect Nobles Hospital with the picturesque southern villages of Port Erin and Port St. Mary (PSM), providing essential information on journey times and operational details. Additionally, we will explore the vital patient transfer services available for those requiring medical assistance in the UK.
Service 1h/1/1a: The Southern Connection
The primary public bus service linking Nobles Hospital to the southern reaches of the island, including Port Erin and Port St. Mary, is the Service 1h/1/1a. This route offers a direct connection, facilitating travel for many.
Monday to Saturday Timings and Route
From Monday to Saturday, the Service 1h commences its journey from Port Erin. It operates via Port St. Mary, Castletown, the Airport, Ballasalla, the National Sports Centre (NSC), and various points in Douglas, including Lord Street, Douglas Promenade, Royal Avenue, Avondale Road, Governors Hill, and Tromode Village, before arriving at Noble's Hospital.
The first service from Port Erin departs at 08:14, with subsequent departures occurring hourly at 14 minutes past the hour, up until 16:14. This provides a consistent daytime service for those travelling north towards the hospital.
Departures from Nobles Hospital
For those travelling from Noble's Hospital to Port Erin or Port St. Mary, services depart from the hospital at 51 minutes past the hour, starting from 08:51. The last direct service from Noble's Hospital to Port Erin/PSM is the 17:51 Service 1.
Journey Time
The journey time for these services between Noble's Hospital and Port Erin is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. It is important to note that these services do not operate on Sundays.
Other Services to Nobles Hospital
While Service 1h/1/1a is the direct link to the south, other services also connect to Nobles Hospital from different parts of the island:
- Service 5, 5c, and 6a: These services depart from Douglas, Lord Street (stand B) and travel directly to Nobles Hospital via Peel Road and Quarterbridge. Departures from Douglas are hourly at 7 minutes past the hour, with a journey time of approximately 10 minutes. From Ramsey, services depart hourly at 10 minutes past the hour, with a journey time of about 1 hour. From Peel, daytime services depart at 52 minutes past the hour, with a journey time of 25 minutes. Please check current timetables for Sunday and bank holiday services.
- Service 21h: This service departs from Lord Street (stand A) via Pulrose, Anagh Coar, and Farmhill. Departures from Lord Street are hourly at specific times (06:05, 07:05, 18:35, 19:35, 20:35, 21:55). The return journey to Douglas departs at 06:26, 07:26, 18:56, 19:56, 20:56, and 22:14. The journey time is approximately 22 minutes. Consult timetables for Sunday and bank holiday operations.
- Service 22h and 25h: These services also depart from Lord Street (stand B) directly to the Hospital via Peel Road and Quarterbridge. From Monday to Saturday, departures are hourly at 17 and 42 minutes past the hour, until the 17:12 Service 25H. The journey time is around 10 minutes. These services do not run on Sundays.
Patient Transfers to UK Hospitals
For Manx residents requiring specialist medical treatment in the United Kingdom, a dedicated Patient Transfer service is in place. This service is managed by Manx Care and facilitates travel and accommodation for patients referred by Noble's Hospital Consultants.
Referrals and Booking Process
If your consultant determines that you need to be referred to a UK hospital, they will initiate the process. The consultant will contact the UK hospital, and you will subsequently be contacted with your appointment details. Simultaneously, a transport certificate will be sent to the Patient Transfers Team. This certificate outlines your referral details and any necessary arrangements, such as the need for an escort.
Once you receive your appointment letter from the UK hospital, you must contact the Patient Transfers Office to book your journey. A copy of your appointment letter is required to confirm your travel arrangements.
Contacting Patient Transfers
The Patient Transfer Office can be reached via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Patient Transfer Office, Garaghyn Glass, Noble′s Hospital Estate, Strang, IM4 4RJ.
- Telephone for UK appointments: +44 1624 642673 (Open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, closed for lunch 1pm-2pm). For urgent assistance outside these hours, contact the Air Ambulance Service Co-ordinator on +44 1624 650000.
Travel and Accommodation Support
Manx Care has agreements with Loganair for flights and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for sea travel. The Patient Transfer Office will book your travel to the UK. They can also provide financial assistance towards accommodation costs, with contributions of up to £50 per person per night outside London, and up to £74 per person per night within London, subject to prior authorisation and submission of receipts from commercial providers.
Authorised escorts accompanying patients are also covered, with specific criteria for funding. Patients under 18 automatically receive one funded adult escort. For others, assessment by the Air Ambulance Team may be required to authorise an escort.
Travel within the UK
For travel within Liverpool, Manx Care has a contract with the taxi firm Combabs for transport between the airport/ferry terminal and healthcare facilities. For journeys outside Liverpool, or for short local trips, patients will need to book and pay for their own transport, submitting claims with receipts upon their return to the Isle of Man.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the fastest bus service from Nobles Hospital to Port Erin?
A1: The Service 1h/1/1a is the most direct route, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Other services may require changes in Douglas.
Q2: Do these bus services operate on Sundays?
A2: No, Services 1h/1/1a do not operate on Sundays. Other services may have different Sunday schedules, so it is advisable to check the latest timetables.
Q3: How do I book transport to a hospital in the UK?
A3: You need to be referred by a Noble's Hospital Consultant. Once you have your appointment details, contact the Patient Transfer Office at +44 1624 642673 with a copy of your appointment letter.
Q4: Can I take a companion with me to a UK hospital appointment?
A4: Yes, patients under 18 are automatically allocated a funded escort. For others, an assessment by the Air Ambulance Team may be required to authorise funding for an escort. If not clinically necessary, companion tickets can often be purchased separately.
Q5: What if I need to travel within the UK for my appointment?
A5: For appointments in Liverpool, Comcabs taxis are arranged. For other locations, you will need to arrange and pay for your own transport, submitting claims for reimbursement upon your return, with receipts.
Understanding these transport links and patient transfer procedures ensures smoother travel for all on the Isle of Man, whether for local appointments or specialist care across the Irish Sea.
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