‘It needs this desperately’ – Readers react to calls for shuttle bus between Eastbourne and Hastings hospitals
Our readers have been weighing in on calls for a shuttle bus between Eastbourne District General Hospital (DGH) and the Conquest Hospital in Hastings.
Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde raised the notion to make journeys between the hospitals ‘quicker, more reliable and more affordable’ in a social media post.
He wrote: “Ultimately, I want to see our hospitals’ core services reinstated and full funding for a new hospital.
“But in the meantime, we need practical solutions to improve access to healthcare.
“Getting between our two main hospital sites by public transport can take hours, forcing many residents to rely on expensive taxis just to attend appointments.”
The idea has sparked widespread debate on The Herald’s Facebook page.
Many people commented in favour of Mr Babarinde’s suggestion.
Tina Coupe wrote: “Good idea Josh, reducing the load on patient transport services, and helping those who can't afford the fares between the two sites, but it does need to be low cost or free.”
Anne Seal commented: “It needs this desperately. If they send you over there from Eastbourne, it really is very difficult. Keep at it Josh.”
Trevor Charman added: “Excellent idea, especially good for the elderly and non-drivers like me.”
While supporting the idea in principle, others were sceptical over the viability of a shuttle bus.
Dan Griffiths wrote: “Great idea until you break down what it would cost per day. You would need a minimum three bus services to maintain an hourly service.
“Depending on the hours of operation, [it] could be 10 drivers needed as a minimum. Minimum running costs for that would be over a million pounds a year.”
Jane de Garston said: “It would be a great idea but is there sufficient waiting space for people at both sites as they may need to be on site hours before or after their appointments depending on the available service?
“Or if a bus is full and you need to wait for the next one? Or would people need to book? Missed appointments are costly and frustrating.”
Some of our readers suggested that the focus should be on restoring all of the DGH’s services.
Anne-Marie Fisher said: “If only every hospital could revert back to having a broader mix of services and wards, so that we could be treated in our own communities.”
Sally Woolston echoed that sentiment. She wrote: “How about we just have the DGH back to what it was built for to cater for the local and surrounding communities.”
Mark Skinner added: “Or put enough money into both hospitals so a shuttle wouldn't be necessary.”