A NEW and improved inter-hospital transport service for county residents is set to launch in September.
MP for Redditch, Rachel Maclean, confirmed the move after she recently tried out the hopper bus service from the Alexandra Hospital to Worcestershire Royal Hospital before it came to an end on Friday (August 11).
She had campaigned for the service to be continued, and while she found it very efficient, said it was only ever a trial.
Now hospital authorities are planning to launch a new Community Transport Service from early September for patients and visitors between Redditch and the Worcestershire Royal.
She said the service will be delivered by existing community transport operators in with Worcestershire County Council and health service providers.
Journeys will need to be pre-booked and a fare will be payable, as yet unknown, although sher said this is expected to be affordable and fair.
“I have been campaigning for a continuation of the existing service or replacement with an alternative since before the election,” said Mrs Maclean.
“I am delighted to be able to confirm this news and that the authorities have listened to the concerns of patients and responded accordingly.”
Worcestershire County Councillor Alan Amos, cabinet member with Responsibility for Highways, is very supportive of the initiative to provide a Community Transport Service for patients and visitors needing to access the Alexandra and Worcester Royal hospitals.
It has come about as a result of health service providers, the County Council and the not-for-profit transport sector working together and can provide journeys for those unable to travel by other means and who live in Redditch, Worcester and the rural areas in between to the two sites.
Using volunteer-driven cars and MPVs, this pilot scheme is delivered by the county’s existing community transport operators and supported by the Department for Transport’s Total Transport Fund, the County Council and health services.
Coun Amos said: “I am very well aware how important it is for people to be able to get to these hospitals quickly and safely and at minimum cost so I am delighted that the County Council’s pilot scheme can assist with such a service.”
