MP has been told a bus stop
for patients at Fareham Community hospital (FCH) would not be
profitable enough to run, despite only meaning a minor change to
the route.
In a letter sent by First Bus Managing Director Marc Reddy, he
states that a lack of customers and possible disruption to the
current route make any service to FCH unviable.
However, a survey launched by the Fareham MP revealed that over
99 percent of respondents supported a bus stop at FCH. Of the
respondents around 20 percent are not eligible for a free older
person bus pass.
The survey also highlighted that 70 percent of those travelling
to the hospital do so by car, while 10 per cent currently travel
to FCH by bus. But, critically, around 99 per cent of respondents
stated they would use a bus stop if it were provided, including
current car users.
Suella said:
Footfall at FCH is set to increase as we have seen greater
utilisation over the years and the success of the
same-day-access-service, launched in September, which is now
available to 39,000 patients. So the services will become more
viable over time.
It is important that we strengthen links with the hospital to
support patients unable to drive and as its usage is set to grow.
I will be continuing to hold talks with First Bus and others to
ensure appropriate transport measures are in place.
A recent consultation on FCH, launched by MP Suella also found
that transport links, specifically a bus service, to be one of
the highest priorities to patients and the public when asked how
FCH could be improved.
Patients currently get off at Bridge Road, which is the closet
stop, and walk down Brook Lane.
When the hospital opened in 2010 a bus, the number 28, was
provided from the Locks Heath Centre to the Hospital. In
October 2012 it was announced this service was to be withdrawn as
the bus company – First Bus - stated it was underused.
