‘NO CHANGES’ INSISTS WIGHTLINK AFTER SOCIAL MEDIA RUMOUR OVER AMBULANCE BOOKINGS

Wightlink says that there have been no changes to its arrangements with emergency services, despite social media rumour stating otherwise. Unfounded claims have been circulating Facebook this week stating that ambulances would have to book like anyone else, with fears this would lead to poorer outcomes for patients. A less-than-credible profile, Isle Newes, which appears to use AI to write local ‘news’, fueled the fire with a post sparking further concern. However, Wightlink has confirmed to Island Echo that its efficient process for booking emergency transfers has not changed. It’s been confirmed that the ferry operator holds additional spaces during the busy Summer months on peak sailings so it can accommodate blue light ambulances at times of high demand. A spokesperson for Wightlink has said:

“Wightlink work closely with the Isle of Wight NHS Trust Ambulance Service and has an efficient process in place for booking emergency transfers off the Island. The same applies to ambulances that need to get back to the Island for an emergency. “We are aware of the misleading statements about ambulances travelling on our ferries. Our procedure has not changed”.

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust has added:

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“The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service does not follow the same process as everyone else when booking emergency ambulance transfers. “We have a process set up so our patients are given priority however we recognise there are always improvements to be made. “We work closely with Wightlink and all other cross-Solent transport services to ensure that our patients are safely transferred to the mainland in the shortest possible time.”