Jersey's Health Department says its priority is to make sure patients who need treatment in Southampton can get there safely, following the collapse of Flybe.

Jersey to Southampton was one of the nine routes operated regularly by the airline, which went into administration this morning.

A government spokesperson says:

"Health and Community Services are aware of the situation with Flybe and are monitoring it closely. Ensuring that patients who need to have treatment in Southampton can travel safely for that treatment is a priority for the department, as is repatriating patients to Jersey who are there for treatment at the moment.

"The Travel Office team at the Hospital are now contacting passengers who are affected by this today and have been since this morning.

"Patients who require treatment in Southampton will be re-booked onto alternative flights and onward transport to Southampton by the hospital’s Travel Office as needed, and HCS will meet these transport costs.

"There are 9 patients booked on flights to Southampton in the next week, and 27 patients booked on to flights to Southampton in total, until the end of June.

"Health and Community Services have a detailed plan to review the situation on a week-by-week basis. We recognise that travelling for treatment can be worrying, and all patients are assured that Health and Community Services will keep them updated and informed."

The government also says officials are still working to find out how many islanders are employed directly by Flybe, so advice and guidance can be given.

Any staff affected by the airline's collapse is asked to contact Customer and Local Services who can give financial, CV and interview support through its Back to Work programme.