Patients living in rural parts of North Yorkshire who struggle to get to hospital are to be offered free transport from their homes to connect with a shuttle service to The James Cook University Hospital.
University Hospitals Tees is extending a pilot transport initiative launched in July following feedback from patients who were having difficulty reaching the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton to catch the shuttle.
The service was introduced to provide an affordable option for people travelling to appointments at James Cook, or visiting relatives receiving care there, who may not qualify for free NHS patient transport.
However, the trust found that for some people in more remote communities, getting to the Friarage to board the shuttle remained a barrier.
Under the extended scheme, eligible patients will now be collected from their homes free of charge, taken to the Friarage to catch the shuttle to Middlesbrough, and returned home after their appointment.
The initiative could benefit people living in areas including Hawes, Richmond, Bedale, Leyburn, Northallerton and Thirsk, as well as surrounding communities.
Patients will still pay the existing £10 charge for the shuttle journey between the Friarage and James Cook, but there will be no additional charge for the home pick-up and return journey.
Strict eligibility criteria will apply, with requests assessed individually by the trust’s in-house transport team.
The service could be available to people who do not qualify for the NHS Patient Transport Service but would otherwise struggle to reach the shuttle, including older people, those with disabilities and patients with conditions which make using public transport difficult.
Andy Jackson, who oversees the transport operation, said: “We are pleased to be extending our transport service for residents across rural North Yorkshire by offering eligible patients transport directly from their homes to connect with the shuttle service.
“While not every patient will meet the eligibility criteria for the home pick-up service, we will do everything we can to support those who need assistance getting to their appointments.”
Shuttle bus timetable
- Friarage to James Cook: 8.15am
- James Cook to Friarage: 3.15pm
- James Cook to Friarage: 5.15pm
Bookings for both the shuttle and home pick-up service can be made by patients or their carers by calling 01642 838877, Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm.
Mr Jackson added: “If you have any questions about the service or would like to discuss your eligibility, please contact our team and we will be happy to help.”
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