McColl's announces withdrawal of hospital link service
The travel company says the tender for the service has ended as NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHSGGC) intends to run its own transport.
The internal link transport on the route is to begin on Sunday, June 29.
However, the new bus service run by the NHS will only be open to NHS staff and patients.
Billy Hunter, deputy director of Facilities and Corporate for NHSGGC, said: 'NHSGGC will continue to provide a transport link between the VoLH and the RAH, and we will move to a free, in-house transport service from June 29, 2025.
'This direct service between the two hospitals will ensure a link remains for patients and staff.
'We would like to thank SPT for their support for the operation of the 340 bus service.'
Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley. (Image: Newsquest) Jackie Baillie MSP has branded the move 'appalling' (Image: PR) Dumbarton MSP, Jackie Baillie, has voiced concerns over the bus service change, branding the move "appalling".
The politician says journeys to and from both hospitals can be "long and expensive" and is calling for the 340 service to continue.
Baillie said: 'NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde gave a commitment when acute services were transferred from the of Leven Hospital to the RAH in Paisley that they would provide a transport link.
'Communities in Helensburgh, the Vale of Leven and Dumbarton have no natural transport links to Paisley and journeys are long, expensive and complicated. This was more than pointed out to the health board at the time.
'Both I and the communities in my constituency were given a guarantee that this difficulty would be resolved by the provision of a bus service and it is appalling that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde should now break that promise and hope that their pledge will have been forgotten.
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'It is absolutely essential that the 340 service continues to operate and that patients and visitors can freely access the RAH by public transport.
'That is what the board promised this community, and that is what the board must deliver.'
An NHS GGC spokesperson had apologised for the impact on travellers who can no longer use the 340 service.
They said: "We can confirm that the 340 Vale of Leven – RAH bus service, currently funded through a partnership with SPT, will end after service on June 28, 2025. A free, in-house transport service for patients, staff, and products will begin operation the following day ( June 29, 2025).
"This direct service between the two hospitals will ensure a link remains for patients with a scheduled appointment at either hospital and for NHS staff.
"We apologise to anyone who may be impacted by this update."
A spokesperson for McColl's said: 'McColl's is disappointed by NHS Greater Glasgow's decision to discontinue Service 340 without wider consultation. We remain committed to supporting accessible transport links for patients and staff and stand ready to discuss future arrangements.
'We have been proud to serve staff, patients and visitors on this route for many years and understand the importance of reliable links between the two hospitals.
"Thank you for travelling with McColl's. If you have any questions about these changes, please contact our Customer Services team on 01389 754 321 or customer.services@mccolls.org.uk."
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