Letters to the Voice
A recent letter from the Red Cross says that, due to lack of funds, they will have to withdraw the minibus service to hospitals from Ardrossan. This is grim news for Arran patients, with no service now to Crosshouse, let alone more distant hospitals such as the Royal Jubilee. Scheduling appointments will now be very difficult, and in the case of the Royal Jubilee, will almost certainly mean an overnight stay. The question of how rather sick people are to struggle their way by public service bus even to Crosshouse now becomes quite technical.
From Alison Prince
The Arran Medical Group have issued the following:
We are aware that the Red Cross patient transport service is due to be withdrawn from June 30th. Arran Medical Group has sought to clarify arrangements via the Arran Operational Group. We have also asked for a simplified flowchart to be made available to help patients decide which services/options they can access for transport to hospital appointments.
In the meantime, we have received confirmation that any patients who would have been eligible for assistance from Red Cross transport, will be able to use the NHS Highland & Islands transport scheme. The patient will be responsible for paying the first £10.00, unless they are eligible for additional recompense (usually if the patient is claiming benefits). To access this funding:
- Collect a form from one of our sites (Lamlash, Brodick, Shiskine, Whiting Bay). We hope to make this available from our website in due course.
- Complete the form, and make it available for any GP to sign.
- Take this form along with any receipts, to the Cashier’s Office at the hospital where your appointment is located, where they will provide reimbursement.
The Scottish Ambulance have also confirmed that eligible patients can also book via the Patient Transport Service. The link includes a phone number to arrange pick up when leaving hospital.
