Withdrawal of hospital stops a cause for concern

Concerns have been raised after Translink cancelled stops at both Antrim and Causeway Hospitals on their 218 and 219 express services.
Antrim Area Hospital. AT5-312JCAntrim Area Hospital. AT5-312JC
Antrim Area Hospital. AT5-312JC

Now, Robin Swann, the North Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA has called on as many constituents as possible to give their views on travelling to hospital appointments following the launch of a survey by the organization, AgeNI.

He said: “I am currently dealing with a number of constituents with concerns accessing hospital appointments after Translink withdrew the stops at Antrim and Causeway Hospitals on the 218 and 219 Express services.

“I have had two very positive meetings with Translink in regard to providing solutions and it will soon be issuing a new timetable for updated hospital services. I also welcome Translink’s inclusion and joint working with Northern Community Transport as a solution to one elderly constituent’s specific needs.

“If anyone requires assistance completing the online survey my office will be willing to help, contact 02825659595,” said Assemblyman Swann.

The Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament has launched a survey seeking views from older people on their experiences of travelling to hospital appointments in Northern Ireland.

Earlier this year, Age Sector Platform held 11 local Pensioners Parliaments across the province and concerns regarding this issue were quite prominent at many of the events.

Now the charity wants to know more, and this survey is a way for you to provide your views.

The survey seeks to gauge: how easy travelling to hospital appointments is for you; your awareness of existing transport schemes; your ability to travel to hospital by public transport or community transport; how expensive travelling to hospital appointments is for you.

The survey should take five to 10 minutes to complete, and responses should be submitted by Sunday 14th August. Just paste the link below into your browser:

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2892526/e87061e24369