NHS Argyll and Clyde investing in public transport links for patients

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NHS Argyll & Clyde in partnership with Strathclyde Passenger Transport has introduced two new hospital link bus services from the Vale of Leven Hospital in Alexandria and Inverclyde Royal Hospital in Greenock to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.The services have been introduced to improve public transport links between the various hospitals and run seven days a week from early morning to well into the evening.

Health Minister, Andy Kerr, said:

"It is important that NHS Boards work with their planning partners to ensure that patients and visitors have access to good public transport services when they need to attend their local hospital. “The service launched this week is an excellent example of an NHS Board listening to the views of local people and delivering an innovative service to meet their needs. “I wish it every success and commend this excellent example of joint working to the wider NHS."

Bruce Barnett, General Manager of the Vale of Leven Hospital who led the project, said:

“I am delighted by the introduction of these new hospital link services. “Both services are open to everyone including staff, visitors, suitable outpatients and general members of the public. “I would also like to thank Strathclyde Passenger Transport for their assistance in working with NHS Argyll & Clyde to put this project together.”

Cllr Alistair Watson, Chair of SPT, added:

“Over a 12 month period, across the UK, 1.4million people miss, turn down or choose not to get medical help because of transport problems. People who don’t have a car are increasingly left out of our society. It is harder for them to access healthcare, shops, jobs and education. It is one of SPT’s key aims to use public transport to improve social inclusion and we are proud to be involved with this project.”

For further information regarding the service and more details of the timetable contact the SPT Travel Centre on 0845 128 4037 or log on to their website at www.spt.co.uk.

Press release: Tuesday 21 February 2006