Robert Brown MSP calls for extension of Transport Scheme to Rutherglen and cambuslang

12.00.00am GMT Fri 10th Nov 2006

Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown today welcomed the NHS Evening visitor transport scheme, which was launched last week by NHS Greater Glasgow, Strathclyde Passenger Transport, Glasgow City Council and Community Transport Glasgow.

The scheme aims to overcome transport problems faced by relatives and friends of hospital patients by using Community Transport Buses.

The visitor transport is free of charge to all Glasgow city residents, and covers the main Glasgow hospitals - the Royal Infirmary, the Western Infirmary, the Victoria Infirmary, Stobhill Hospital, the Southern General and Gartnavel General between 6-10pm weekdays.

As the scheme only applies to those who live in the City of Glasgow, residents of Rutherglen and Cambuslang cannot take advantage of the free travel, despite the ongoing transport difficulties for local people trying to get to the Victoria Infirmary and Southern General.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area is made up of the City of Glasgow, Rutherglen and Cambuslang, Paisley, Inverclyde and East and West Dunbartonshire.

Robert Brown MSP said:

"This is a good scheme, but it is unfortunate that it is limited to the city. I am making urgent representations to NHS Greater Glasgow and South Lanarkshire Council about it. Residents in Rutherglen and Cambuslang have further to travel by what is sometimes more awkward public transport.

NHS Greater Glasgow are coming up with some good ideas for making it easier for the public to access hospitals. Now the challenge is to make them available across the Health Board area.

Many older people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang find travelling to visit friends and relatives in hospital difficult. Often the visitors are themselves elderly or disabled. However we all know that visitors are a big tonic for people in hospital, and improving transport links and accessibility to hospitals for visitors is very important."

Ends

Notes

The scheme is available to all Glasgow City residents, but prioritises older and disabled people, and those on low incomes.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde fund Community Transport Glasgow (CTG) to operate the service and Glasgow City Council provides support to CTG to develop the Community Transport sector in Glasgow.

Community Transport Glasgow is a membership organisation made up of the five Community Transport Operators who work throughout Glasgow.

Strathclyde Passenger Transport, has been commissioned to manage the booking and despatch system.

For further information on the scheme: contact 0141 201 4429.