A SCHEME that gives free cross-Solent travel to NHS patients with specific illnesses is under review.

The council-funded Cross Solent Travel Scheme is a discretionary, non-means tested measure providing financial support to NHS patients travelling to the mainland to receive specific treatments for chemotherapy, radiotherapy or renal dialysis.   

The scheme is owned and administered by the Isle of Wight NHS Trust but since 2006, when the NHS ceased its funding, the council has paid for travel.

The restricted nature of the scheme means that many people with other conditions do not receive assistance. 

Islanders are now being asked for their thoughts on the scheme.

Cabinet member for adult social care and public health, Cllr Clare Mosdell said: "No other council in the country provides non-means tested funding to transport NHS patients and so in the light of the savings this council needs to make we must look at whether we can continue to fund it.

“The scheme is currently allocated £60,000 per year. 

“We have no legal duty to fund it and in challenging times, we feel we should look at protecting the frontline services we are legally obliged to fund such as adult social care or mental health services. 

“However, it’s really important to us that we listen to the views of Islanders to inform any decisions about the future funding of this scheme."

Where people have low income or are in receipt of specific qualifying benefits, the NHS has a statutory duty to reimburse their travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Cost Scheme (HTCS). This NHS funded scheme remains in place. 

Ferry operators also offer discounts to those who are going to the mainland to receive medical treatment.

The consultation will run until December 23. You can take part online or hard copies can be requested from Healthwatch on (01983) 608608 or text 07739 436600.

You can also pick a hard copy up at libraries, GP practices, Hospital, Citizens Advice, People Matter Isle of Wight, and the Riverside Centre, Newport.

Please return your hard copy by December 24 to Healthwatch Isle of Wight.

Updated: Tuesday 2.40pm

Island Labour have condemned the plans to end the scheme, and said it was 'not responsible or fair'.

Island Labour chair, Julian Critchley, said: "Islanders should be outraged. First the Tories have cut our hospital services on the Island, and now they're even removing the support sick people need to access those services on the mainland.

"If this cut goes ahead, then essentially we Islanders will become the first English county to lose our free at the point of delivery NHS. The NHS is no longer free if patients have to pay through the nose to be able to access the hospital services they are entitled to."