FREE cross-Solent travel for NHS patients travelling for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and dialysis could be cut by the Isle of Wight Council.

The council-funded Cross Solent Travel Scheme is a non-means tested scheme that provides financial support to NHS patients attending for specific treatments.

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

The scheme costs £60,000 a year and the council said it had ‘no legal duty’ to fund it.

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.

“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.”

John Sparak, 74, from Wootton Bridge, had to travel to the mainland multiple times while his wife had radiotherapy for six weeks.

While his wife was reimbursed, he was not.

He said: “I am lucky because I could afford to do it, and to pay for myself to be with her.

“But what if you were a patient and you could not? People are going to turn down treatment because of the cost.”

Sue Ferguson also had to travel to the mainland while her husband was having cancer treatment.

She said: “I had an expenses sheet, so I had to put down the expenses we incurred — taxis, Hovertravel.

“It cost about £300, a fair amount was reimbursed.”

She added: “I don’t think the money would have changed our decision, but if you didn’t have it, you’d have to find a way — taking a loan out, or putting it on a credit card.”

A consultation on the scheme will run until December 23. Hard copies can be requested from Healthwatch, or residents can take part online.

For people on low incomes or 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.

Updated Friday

More than 500 people have signed a petition, urging the council to reconsider.