Access to Health Easier With Shuttle Service

The Horowhenua Community Health Shuttle was started in February this year providing a twice daily service transporting Horowhenua residents to and from health services in Palmerston North.

Thirty-eight people used the service in the first month, however, Health Shuttle Coordinator Murray Bedford said demand for the service had been phenomenal and five shuttles a day now operate from Monday to Friday with it expected that about 400 people will be transported this month.

"It proves what the community has been saying for a long time about affordable transport to health services. Patients and family members are able to reach the best health care services in Palmerston North at a small cost," Mr Bedford said.

The Shuttle takes people to both primary and secondary health providers in Palmerston North, with the local Community Service bus able to pick up people from their homes if need be to take them to meet the shuttle they are booked on.

Mr Bedford said, despite the service being well utilised, he is still amazed at the number of people in the Horowhenua who were not aware of the service. It is operated with a team of 50 volunteer drivers from Foxton, Shannon, and Levin.

"They do an exceptional job of ensuring you get to your appointment on time. It is a tremendous response when we have drivers from outside Levin wanting to assist with this community service."

As a direct result of demand, the Horowhenua District Health Transportation Trust has introduced a timetable to make the service more user-friendly.

It departs Horowhenua Health Centre, Liverpool Street at 7.00am, 9.00am, 11.00am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm; and departs Palmerston North Hospital, Ruahine Street at 9.00am, 11.00am, 1.00pm (or 1.30pm if there is dialysis patients), 3.00pm, and the last one to leave is 5.00pm.

Mr Bedford said donations to help offset costs were needed. The service was also in need of baby car seats to help meet safety requirements when transporting babies and toddlers.

Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning Murray Bedford on 06 366 0920, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm.

Horowhenua Community Health Shuttle Trust coordinator Murray Bedford helps a passenger out of the shuttle.