Transport concerns about Midhurst health hub are ‘on agenda’

How people will travel to services provided by a new integrated health hub in Midhurst is ‘firmly on the agenda’ following concerns raised about transport difficulties for patients.
DM16119629a.jpg Sussex NHS Community Trust launches recruitment drive in Midhurst for nurses so Community Hospital can be reopened. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160525-154519008DM16119629a.jpg Sussex NHS Community Trust launches recruitment drive in Midhurst for nurses so Community Hospital can be reopened. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160525-154519008
DM16119629a.jpg Sussex NHS Community Trust launches recruitment drive in Midhurst for nurses so Community Hospital can be reopened. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160525-154519008

Healthwatch West Sussex has been asking for views on plans for the health hub, which would be part of Midhurst Community Hospital, for months and has recently published some of the feedback.

In the latest update, Healthwatch West Sussex said: “As local residents, people were familiar with transport concerns. People spoke of the stress of having to rely on buses, watching the clock when at an appointment, especially if they are running late. Others said they would not phone for a taxi, as it costs too much (particularly if living off a pension or low income).

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“Local voluntary transport services are good but do not have enough drivers.”

Some of the concerns about getting to Midhurst for health services included comments such as: “Two buses needed – if you miss one there is a long wait for the next.”

Others said it was a long walk from where the bus stops to the hospital – with some saying they could not do this walk. There being no shelter at the bus stop was also mentioned as was the fact there is no close parking.

One person said: “Getting from Petworth to Midhurst is a problem, as there are no buses, and when they do run, they are unable to keep running.”

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Healthwatch West Sussex said: “As a result, how people will travel to services is now firmly on the agenda – as this was a concern for many. There is now a Hub Community Transport Task and Finish Group and it has been agreed that there will be a community transport person, based in the hub when this goes live later this year.”

The services people believed the hub should provide included prompt access to NHS services and social care, support for carers, social prescribing, access and time with specially trained clinicians such as diabetic nurses and regular psychologist and mental health trained nurses so mental health patients can access support after being discharged.

Recommendations following the feedback include devising a local transport plan for north Chichester; devising a recruitment campaign for volunteer drivers; and providing a covered bus stop at Midhurst Hospital.

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