Thursday, March 12 2009
Transport planner JMP has been commissioned by NHS County Durham to evaluate an innovative approach to providing transport to hospital appointments and for visiting.
A new service provides transport for people in East Durham to access five hospitals in the Wearside and Teesside areas.
The aim of the scheme – funded by the PCT and in partnership with Durham County Council and North East Ambulance Service - aims to make best use of non-emergency ambulance resources, as well as providing accessible direct public transport options.
People requiring transport to hospital call a central telephone number at the County Council. Callers are then allocated non-emergency transport if they are eligible, or they are booked on to the dedicated East Durham Hospital Link service – a demand responsive service operating on semi-fixed routes but also, if necessary, offering a door step service.
The outcome of JMP’s evaluation will determine the way forward for the scheme.