The decision to stop running a free hospital shuttle bus is 'wrong,' says the Burnley MP.
The East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust will cease operating a free transport service between the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, Burnley General Teaching Hospital, and Pendle Community Hospital from Monday, March 31st.
The East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust will cease operating a free transport service between the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, Burnley General Teaching Hospital, and Pendle Community Hospital from Monday, March 31st.
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NewsTranscript
00:00I've been informed today of the decision made by East Lancashire Hospital Trust, ELHT, to
00:08stop the shuttle bus service between Burnley Hospital and Urgent Care Centre and Blackburn
00:13Hospital. I've spoken to members of the Trust Board today and have expressed my deep concern
00:20about the loss of this service for patients and staff. This is the wrong decision. It
00:26is my intention to explore all options with the Trust, transport operators and other partners
00:32to find a way to get a service on this route. The Trust have assured me that they will listen
00:37to all views through the dedicated email address for the shuttle bus and I would encourage
00:41everyone to write to them with their comments. You can contact them at shuttlebus at elht.nhs.uk.
00:51The Trust must honour all commitments they've made to staff and patients in making sure
00:57they can get to appointments and work. Now I'm not deaf to the need for change and long-term
01:03stability for our health services. Indeed, that's why as a government we're making the
01:09highest investment in our NHS in a generation, bringing waiting lists and wait times down.
01:16And while I might disagree with this decision, as readers will know, ELHT as a Trust is in
01:22severe and significant financial position and they are overspent by £32m this year alone.
01:29And that's because of 14 years of chronic underfunding and cuts from previous Conservative
01:35and Liberal Democrat governments and high demand. Anyone who's been to Blackburn A&E knows that
01:41and I know the Trust are doing what they can in a difficult situation.
01:45The NHS will improve and while this is the wrong decision,
01:49I understand the difficult decisions need to be taken. Many will be affected by this decision
01:53and you can email me at oliver.ryan.mp at parliament.uk and I'll keep you updated
02:00on my developments. Thank you.