Free lift for Alderney patients in Guernsey

Saturday 27 July 2019

Alderney patients who have a "genuine need for transport" while in Guernsey for an appointment will be helped by a newly-launched voluntary car service.

Health & Social Care recently completed a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for the Bailiwick in which Alderney residents were asked how their healthcare needs could be supported.

"As part of this engagement, islanders living in Alderney told the Committee for Health & Social Care that the availability of a voluntary car service to pick them up from the airport to take them to appointments, at either the Medical Specialist Group or the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, and then back to the airport, would be very helpful," said Dr Nicola Brink's, HSC's Director of Public Health.

"This was particularly applicable to frail and older islanders as well as those with mobility problems or who were feeling unwell.”

Health Connections will be able to pick some Alderney patients up from the airport and take them to medical appointments in Guernsey.

Working in partnership with Health Connections, HSC is working to address this need for people living in Alderney. 

Bella Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of Health Connections, said: "The Health Connections Voluntary Car Service may be able to help with transport to and from the airport for appointments for those with a genuine transport need. The service we offer is available between 09:00 and 17:00 on weekdays.

"Please phone 725241 ext. 5227 for more information and the Health Connections Team will try and help you. However, we have limited capacity at present and would ask that those who feel they are unable to use public transport contact us in the first instance. We hope to expand the services offered in the future.” 

This initiative has been well-received by Dr Sally Simmons, the Clinical Director at the Island Medical Centre in Alderney. She felt that it was important to “show people that they have been listened to and their concerns are being addressed."