Guernsey GP helps out in Isle of Man
MANX air traffic controllers have been a surprising beneficiary of the air bridge between the two islands.
All pilots and controllers must have special medical checks performed regularly to ensure they are of prime health, but currently there are no doctors in the northern isle qualified to perform these.
It led to the IoM government to seek out the help of Dr Ian Gee.
As the local Aero-Medical Examiner for the Civil Aviation Authority of 20 years, Dr Gee usually carries out checks from the Healthcare Group’s Cobo Surgery.
‘I had never been to the Isle of Man and so I was quite happy to go up there and help them out during these difficult times,’ Dr Gee.
‘I was made to feel very welcome and all those involved had worked hard to make this happen. It was a real team effort and a great example of how island communities can come together to help each other.’
When the pandemic hit the CCA issued some extensions or exemptions to reduce in-person contact and so pilots and controllers could continue work.
Next month the exemptions run out, yet all need up-to-date medicals.
Without this trip Manx controllers and pilots would have to travel to the UK and quarantine upon return, or a UK doctor would need to travel to the isle and quarantine upon arrival.
Once Covid was controlled in both Guernsey and the Isle of Man and the airbridge established, Manx authorities approached Dr Gee.
Originally they assessed whether to have medicals performed in Guernsey, but logistics presented a challenge.
Permission was required from the CCA, and eventually necessary arrangements were made with help from the Occupational Health Department at the Manx Noble’s Hospital.
Dr Gee visited for a few days.
Only the controller’s medicals could be completed and so several pilots still require medicals, which will be arranged soon.
