Councillor issues call for hospital bus route
A DEAL town and Dover district councillor concerned about the lack of public transport for hospital patients is urging a bus company to offer a service for patients to get to Thanet.
Bob Frost, councillor for North Deal, wrote a letter to Stagecoach this week asking it to consider implementing a bus service from Deal directly to Thanet hospital.
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URGING: DDC councillor for North Deal Bob Frost DOSI070212-frost
Mr Frost requested that services leave from Deal and arrive at Margate's Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother (QEQM) hospital at 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm so that patients can meet their appointment times.
Stagecoach has responded to Mr Frost by saying the request has been forwarded to senior management who will consider the new proposal.
It also said a new route would not be implemented unless it was clear the number of passengers using the service would make it worthwhile.
Mr Frost said: "I think this is one worth going for.
"Since the cutback in services at Buckland Hospital in Dover, QEQM is now the main hospital used by residents of Deal.
"Deal has quite an aging population, many of who rely on public transport, and I have been approached by a number of constituents complaining about the lack of direct transport from the town to the QEQM.
"The service could also call in to Westwood Cross so people can do a spot of shopping."
Mr Frost added that if the request is unsuccessful, he will continue to pursue it by starting a petition.
He added: "Why not start a petition, I have had a lot of constituents ask me to do something.
"If I stood out in Deal town centre for a few hours and collected signatures I'm sure I could get hundreds of them.
"There are so many people from Deal and Sandwich that could benefit from an improved service, it is definitely worthwhile doing."
Mr Frost added: "I hope I get a positive response from Stagecoach, if not then this won't be the end of it."
4 Comments
by HSDEAL
Friday, February 10 2012, 10:11AM
“I have just been advised by Stagecoach that a new service between Deal and QMQH will start 1/4/2012 and will be a number 12 - details on Stagecoach website from early March. Well done Stagecoach and Bob Frost!”
by bobfrost
Thursday, February 09 2012, 1:54PM
“To add to the article a couple of points Deal taxi firms charge £22 each way to the QEQM.
To get some idea of the likely uptake of the service I've put in an FOI request to QEQM asking how many in/out patients are there on an average week from Deal/Sandwich.
Perhaps those who wish to show support for the idea might consider e-mailing Stagecoach :- eastkent.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com
Bob Frost”
by HSDEAL
Thursday, February 09 2012, 1:25PM
“I don't often find myself in complete agreement with Bob Frost but this is a very good idea. We really need a new hospital for the District easily accessible for Deal and Sandwich, Buckland even if it was rebuilt is too far.
QEQM is for the time being our main hospital although not forgetting the excellent services that our own Victoria Hospital in Deal provides. We need continued transport improvements in Deal and this would undoubtedly be a popular service.”
by DealKent
Thursday, February 09 2012, 1:10PM
“This is a great idea I really do hope stagecoach take it seriously.
Chris
http://tinyurl.com/7f93y27”