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Problems travelling with Brittany Ferries

S

SamDudley

Member
Messages
5
Location
Staffordshire
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I have been travelling with this company for years the last time earlier this month with no issues my son has type one diabetes and has just turned 16 years old. He has other problems which means he can not manage the diabetes without support.

Upon booking we always ask to be boarded close to a lift so basically they board the wheelchair passengers then us both because of his diabetes and also his other problems. Whilst making this request for our next crossing in August when I was informed and that is is there policy to ask for a letter saying no hypos hyper and fit to travel on top of the normal carrying shapes letter.

We have travelled with them and via air many times since he was diagnosed and have never had the same issues my son has no complications from his diabetes and has travel insurance after passing there screening questions.

I really don't know what Brittany hope to gain and believe this is against the equality act because they have no measures in place for other conditions like Asthma . The young lady said she would ask the captain which I found laughable and asked what his medical qualifications were.

She also attempted to tell me that these measures had always been in place till I pointed out we had only just returned and had travelled many times before always declaring the condition. The have no set list or terms and conditions that cause for them to ask for fit to travel certificates and can only assume someone has Hurd insulin dependant eyes glazed over and decided for herself therefore I'd like to know if anyone else has had the same issue and if not would they be willing to direct message me any booking references they have I have all of my own. If this is only effecting type one travellers then we must stick together and ask what medical advise have they had to say that they want this have they consulted those who know specifically about type one diabetes.


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I've just had an email they have backed down however I think it's one to watch they were not clear on if they have changed there mind for this time always and all travellers with type one I do hope that they get some advise and publish a list of conditions where they need further advice in the near future
 
I've had a reply from Brittany they have backed down but I'm
Wondering of its just this time or for everyone here is the email.


From: Brittany Ferries Customer Services<[email protected]>
Date: 25 July 2016 at 13:48:42 BST

Thank you for your email of 24 July 2016 addressed to CJ which has been passed to me for reply. I would also like to thank you for your custom to date which is appreciated.

I am sorry for any distress caused to you or your family with regards to our request for a 'fit for travel certificate', it was certainly not my colleague's intention to cause offence either to you or your son.

Health and safety is of paramount importance to us and this is why, when we are made aware by customers that one of their party has a condition which could potentially affect them whilst onboard, then we have a duty of care to ask for a 'fit for travel certificate', where appropriate.

Whilst it is true that the Captain is not a doctor, his is the ultimate authority onboard and his decision is final. However before making such a decision, behind the scenes there will be consultation with the Chief Medical Officer, who is a doctor and a very senior officer who has overall responsibility across the fleet for medical issues.

On this occasion, having had the relevant discussions I am happy to confirm that your son will not need a certificate. However I take your point that there is little clarification regarding this issue in our literature or online. I will now discuss this further with the Passenger Services Manager and our Communications Manager to see where we can make matters clearer for our customers.

I would like to thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention, as feedback such as yours is essential in helping us to improve our services.

In the meantime I wish you and your family a very pleasant holiday with us next month


Yours sincerely


Charlotte Murray

Senior Customer Services Officer

Customer Services - Brittany Ferries - Millbay - Plymouth - PL1 3EW
 
I've literally just travelled with them and didn't even know I should have declared it! I had the basic sharps letter but other than that just had what I needed on me, and my partner can treat anything that potentially could happen (unlikely as it is) so didn't think anything of it! So they should back down! If you have insurance and you're clearly experienced with issues anyway, as any diabetic parent is, there isn't a problem.
 
We are having the same issues. I declared my 12 yo son's diabetes when I booked and last Monday had a call from Brittany ferries requesting a fit to travel certificate. I queried it at the time but they wouldn't back down despite me stating that he controls it himself, has no other medical conditions and that we could treat him if necessary. He had a hospital review today and the consultant and Nurses said they had never previously had any requests for these for travelling by ferry. They've only given us a letter detailing his medication and I've sent that to Brittany Ferries asking them to reconsider.
 
Is this a new question that you have to answer ie have they changed the booking form in some way to ask directly or did you state that he had a medical problem/disability?
As an adult T1, I have travelled very frequently on Brittany Ferries over the last few years, often the bookings have been made within a day of travel (I live in France and had aged parents in England with frequent medical emergencies). We're in the middle of selling a house to settle my father's estate so once again will probably have to go towards the end of the month so would like to be prepared.
 
I stated that he had a medical condition but only after some consideration. I wasn't really sure whether I really needed to declare it at all but decided to err on the side of caution in case we were asked about his medication. I can't comment on whether they have changed the booking form as this is the first time we have travelled with Brittany Ferries in a few years and my son didn't have diabetes then. The original poster of this thread might be in a better position to comment on this.
 
I have an email now saying I do not need a fit to travel after making complaints via this forum and Brittany ferries Twitter they are pretty hot on I then sent an email to the address they posted me they responded within 24 hours saying we don't need them I think everyone should do the same...
 
They have backed down with me this morning as well. Had a phone message. Thanks SamDudley for pursuing this.
 
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