Calls for more hospital buses

Patients in the Wyre Forest district are suffering because of a lack of transport services to and from hospitals in the region, it has been claimed.

Fresh calls have been made for more buses between the sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester to make it easier for people receiving treatment to get to their appointments.

Worcestershire County Councillor Nigel Knowles said: "Many people have spoken to me about the difficulties of travelling from Wyre Forest to Worcester for appointments.

"Cancer patients also have to endure terribly long journeys to Wolverhampton for treatment.

"I have realised that it is very important to have adequate direct bus services. At the moment buses are very infrequent and you often have to change buses which makes it more difficult for people."

Peter Luff, MP for Mid Worcestershire, has also raised the issue saying: "When the new hospital was built on the outskirts of Worcester, replacing the old city centre Royal Infirmary, and when important services were transferred to Redditch and Kidderminster, we were told arrangements would be made to ensure ease of public transport to all three locations.

"It seems the NHS has gone back on its word and, slowly but surely, it's getting more and more difficult to get to all three sites by bus."

First Bus operates services seven days a week between Kidderminster and Redditch and Worcester.

Commercial director Stephen Zanker said: "We obviously support public transport to and from hospital sites. From a commercial point of view, it is sometimes difficult to provide frequent commercial services to these areas."

lWorcestershire County Council is advising residents of changes to some bus routes in the county to be introduced on September 2. Call the Worcestershire Hub on 01905 765 765.

By Heather Large