Bus service trial for diagnostic services
A new bus service to give people better access to a NHS diagnostic facility will start a two-month trial in June.
Buses will stop at Lincoln Community Diagnostic Centre on a new dedicated route from June 1 and operate every 30 minutes between Lincoln Central Bus Station and Lincoln CDC, via St Marks Street, from 8.45am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday.
The two-month trial will also include use of an electric bus for two weeks during July, which will be the first electric bus to be used on public routes in the city.
Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group Chief Executive, Professor Karen Dunderdale, said: “Lincoln Community Diagnostic Centre supports up to 60,000 patients each year and we’re doing everything that we can to make it as accessible as possible for everyone.
“While dedicated, free car parking remains available on site, we recognise that not everyone has the privilege and access to their own vehicles. Discussions relating to public transport links have been taking place since before the facility opened and we’ve also been supported by patient feedback, which has described the challenges of the nearest bus stop being approximately half a mile away for those with limited mobility or who are unwell.
“This two-month trial allows opportunity to explore if this additional bus service would be viable longer-term, while offering a more sustainable and convenient public transport route to our services.”
A CDC provides a broad range of diagnostic services, such as X-rays, blood tests and CT and MRI scans, as part of a patient’s ongoing planned care, away from main acute hospitals. This helps to give easier and quicker access to tests.
The vehicles on the dedicated ‘Medilinc’ ML1 service will be operated by PC Coaches of Lincoln.
The company’s Managing Director Stephen Bryce said: “Working in partnership with Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group offers us the opportunity to directly support the community and improve access to local services. Our employee-owned structure allows us to focus on delivering long-term benefits for both passengers and the wider community, and we are hoping to develop the MediLinc service so that it can continue in the longer term, with a view to extending the hours and days of operation.
“This service removes many of the barriers faced by people using the CDC, especially those with mobility issues. The pilot route makes access to Lincoln CDC easier for patients, reduces journey times, and enables convenient connections to other regional bus and rail services. Passengers can pay using cash or contactless payments, and concessionary bus passes are also accepted.
“As we look for ways to develop the service, we are also looking to work with other employers on Lincoln Science and Innovation Park to help reduce their carbon footprint and strengthen the long-term viability of the MediLinc service.”
The trial bus service has been set up with support from Lincoln MP Hamish Falconer MP, who helped to link members of the CDC team with PC Coaches. He said: “Lincoln Community Diagnostic Centre is delivering vital services for thousands of local people, so improving access is incredibly important.
“A number of constituents raised with me how difficult it could be to reach the site without a car, particularly for older residents and those with mobility issues. I spoke to Steve Bryce at PC Coaches about the problem, and I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help bring partners together to get this new shuttle service up and running.
“This pilot will make it easier for patients, visitors and staff to access the CDC, while also trialling Lincoln’s first electric bus on a public route. It’s a great example of what can happen when local organisations work together to solve practical problems for residents.”
Pictured from left are Alistair Nelson (Programme Director for CDC Estates Delivery at United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust), Prof Karen Dunderdale (Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group Chief Executive), Lincoln MP Hamish Falconer and Tom Blount (Director of Lincoln Science and Innovation Park), along with Steve Bryce (Managing Director of PC Coaches of Lincoln) behind the wheel of the bus.