Patients and visitors travelling between Northallerton’s Friarage Hospital and The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough will be able to use a new shuttle bus service from next week.
University Hospitals Tees has launched the three-month pilot scheme in a bid to improve access to specialist healthcare for people living in North Yorkshire.
The service will begin operating on Monday, July 13, running Monday to Friday between the two hospitals.
The shuttle will depart from the Friarage Hospital’s main entrance at 8.15am, with return journeys leaving James Cook Hospital’s north entrance at 3.15pm and 5.15pm.
A flat fare of £10 will apply for both single and return journeys, with the price remaining the same whether passengers travel one way or make a return trip.
The trust says the service is aimed at patients who need to attend appointments at James Cook, as well as people visiting relatives receiving treatment there, particularly those who do not qualify for NHS patient transport or find public transport unsuitable.
It is also hoped the service will reduce the number of missed hospital appointments, which can delay treatment and cost the NHS around £165 each time.
James Dunbar, community services director for University Hospitals Tees, said: “We are deeply committed to local provision of healthcare in North Yorkshire but sometimes our patients need to access the specialist teams at James Cook. We have responded to feedback about transport difficulties and we hope this new bus will help.”
Initially, bookings must be made by telephone, with passengers paying the driver in cash before boarding. The trust says card payments will be introduced in the future.
Andy Jackson, who oversees transport operations, said the telephone booking system had been chosen to ensure the service was accessible to everyone.
He added: “We hope this trial will improve accessibility for patients travelling between Friarage and James Cook, and we will analyse feedback and passenger demand data gathered over the three months to assess the future of the service.”
Shuttle timetable timings
Friarage to James Cook
- 8.15am
James Cook to Friarage
- 3.15 pm
- 5.15pm
Following the trial period and passenger demand, there is a possibility of extending the transport service, with additional transport to be introduced.
Community services director for University Hospitals Tees, James Dunbar, said: “We are deeply committed to local provision of healthcare in North Yorkshire but sometimes our patients need to access the specialist teams at James Cook. We have responded to feedback about transport difficulties and we hope this new bus will help.”
Initially, only cash payments will be accepted, with payment to be made to the driver before the journey commences, but plans are in progress to introduce card payments.
Booking Information
Bookings can be made by patients or their carers by calling the transport hotline on 01642 838877 between Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
This dedicated number has been established specifically for this shuttle service and cannot be used for other transport bookings.
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