4 days ago
Jersey health officials say termination of bus contract 'will not impact' cancer patients
Jersey health officials have defended ending a £56,600 contract for a bus service for cancer patients, citing declining service use and value for money.
The Daisy Bus Service provides transport for patients from Jersey and the Isle of Wight travelling to the University Hospital Southampton for cancer treatment.
However, the NHS and Wessex Cancer Support have confirmed the service will end on Wednesday 20 August.
Health and Care Jersey (HCJ), which allocates the £56,600 annually, decided to discontinue the service following a review which found that it was not the "best value for money".
HCJ also found it was more "economical" for patients to use HCJ-funded taxis instead, as they can be used anytime, whereas the bus was on a timetabled service.
Emily Hoban, the Head of Access for HCJ, stated: "A notable decline in Jersey patients using the service this year meant that the Daisy Bus was operating at a cost of around £60 per passenger journey.
"This is significantly higher than the average cost of a £19 taxi journey.
"The termination of the Daisy Bus contract will not impact Jersey patients as all taxis are already booked and paid for directly by HCJ's Travel Office."
"All patients who currently use the Daisy Bus Service will be made aware of their new travel arrangements when the service discontinues."
The termination will also impact patients from the Isle of Wight who are staying in mainland hotels and use the service.
However, in a joint statement, Wessex Cancer Support and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust said there would be alternative support to be used by cancer patients.
They said: "We want to reassure patients that support remains available through NHS schemes for those who meet eligibility criteria.
"This includes help with travel costs through the NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) and access to Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services (NEPTS) for eligible patients.
"The Daisy Bus service between Portsmouth ferry terminal and Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth will continue at this time.
"All partners are working closely to communicate with affected patients and to ensure they know what support is available through the NHS."
