GNAAS 'confident' it can retain contract with Manx Care

Charity hopes it can make the healthcare provider an 'offer it can't refuse'

The Great North Air Ambulance Service says it's 'confident' it can make Manx Care an 'offer it can't refuse' to continue its contract.

There had been doubts about the future of the service last year, after the health body raised issues with the sustainability of the retainer fee that had previously been paid.

In March 2025, a new contract was agreed for the next 12 months, with the healthcare provider agreeing to fund the service on a 'per mission' basis instead.

With that contract due to expire in a couple of months, GNAAS CEO Joe Garcia says the charity is currently responding to Manx Care's tender:

Manx Care has provided Manx Radio with a statement in response.

It says: "Manx Care is currently undertaking a competitive tender process for the provision of our Helicopter Emergency Medicine Service, Air Ambulance Service, and UK-based road ambulance support.

"We welcome the proposal from GNAAS, which will be assessed alongside all other submissions as part of the process.

"GNAAS otherwise continues to provide this service for the remainder of the contract term."