Patient room to be created on Ben-my-Chree

Vessel standing in for Manxman after mechanical failure

The Steam Packet is working to improve patient facilities on board its vessels while flagship Manxman is out of action. 

This follows concerns raised by a mother from Ramsey and her plea for help in getting her disabled daughter to an urgent medical appointment in the UK.

In a statement provided to Manx Radio, the company says it is working to establish a private medical room on board to provide patients who need more privacy. 

Kirsten Watling’s 25-year-old daughter Olivia is waiting to find out if she requires her leg to be amputated and was due to travel to Warrington this week for an appointment with an accessible cabin on Manxman. 

However, with the company's flagship out of action until the end of September, that was not possible as passengers cabins were repurposed for crew when live onboard changes were made in 2025. 

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She said the issue has been handled through the Patient Transfers Team. However, since Kirsten spoke to Manx Radio, the company has since been in direct contact with the family to work towards a solution.

In response to the wider issue of patient transfers, the company said it is working with the Patient Transfers Team and the ambulance service to 'ensure patients' individual travel requirements are accommodated on both its Heysham and Liverpool routes. 

It added: "Following discussions and feedback from patients with significant mobility requirements, we are currently creating a private medical room on board. This facility will provide patients with an enhanced level of comfort, privacy and dignity during their journey."

The company added that it is also provides accessible facilities for passengers who need assistance including designated vehicle lanes after check-in, special assistance parking close to lifts and early boarding, among other arrangements on board and ashore.