New hospital transport service launched

Date published: 13 October 2009

Patients can now use a new transport service to get home from hospital instead of having to use an ambulance, thanks to a new pilot scheme called Hospital 2 Home.

NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale (NHS HMR) has funded the new service as part of a strategy to improve access to health, in partnership with Rochdale Council, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive and the North West Ambulance Service.

Rochdale patients with no medical need for transport but who require practical support at the point of discharge can now use this free service to get home from hospital instead of having to use an ambulance. GMPTE provides a bus service from Rochdale Infirmary between 4.00pm and 8.00pm which will take patients who live in the borough home to their door.

Gazzala Chaudhri, Commissioning Manager at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, said: “Introducing this new service will make a great difference to the hospital discharge process. It will help to reduce waiting times for patients who are able and ready to return home and alleviate pressure on the North West Ambulance Service so they can concentrate on transporting patients who need medical support."

Patients can be referred onto the service by the hospital discharge team, ward nurse or by calling directly on 08456 05 55 05.