What is the hospital transport provision in Dorset like

Getting to and from hospital in Dorset.

Patients are expected to make their own way to and from hospital. Hospital transport might be through family members, friends or community transport schemes if available.

NHS patient transport in Dorset is provided for medical reasons only

• Registered Blind or have serious visual impairment
•  Not independently mobile
• Need special patient transport facilities
• Need specialist skills from ambulance staff

All requests will be assessed on needs and eligibility

Patients on low income might be able to get help from the HTCS scheme

If you are a patient and think you qualify for patient transport call the Dorset Patient Transport Bureau on 0300 777 5555 or visit www.dorsetptb.co.uk

This information is taken from the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group advice to patients.

Can Sedcat provide hospital transport?

Sedcat isn't able to provide hospital patient transport at the moment. There is a demand in this area and Sedcat are aware of the difficulty people are experiencing.

info@sedcat.org.uk             01202 598295

What is section 19 and section 22 not for profit transport?

Notes are taken from the DVSA and Traffic Commissioners guidelines and do not form legal advice.

Permits issued under Section 19 and 22 of the Road Traffic Act 1985 allows a ‘not for profit’ organisation to operate a bus service with the need for a full PSV operator’s licence.

Sedcat operates under these regulations.

Safety

·         Strict rules apply to the safety of vehicles and drivers

·         Drivers, including volunteer drivers must receive training

·         Vehicles must be fully insured

·         Must operate within the permit and be ‘not for profit’.

A separate permit is granted for each vehicle and it must be displayed.

Community bus permits

These can be used to provide transport to ‘isolated areas’ that are not served by other transport providers. Must be not for profit and provide social or welfare benefits to one or more communities and must fit with the Charity’s aims and objectives.

The buses must carry nine or more passengers.

The Traffic Commissioners must be satisfies that the operating organisation has facilities for maintenance of the vehicles and can comply with the regulations.

Driver’s must have category D1 on their licence obtained prior to 1997 to drive a community bus

Sedcat     www.sedcat.org.uk     info@sedcat.org.uk     01202 598295

Sedcat to replace Damory 88 bus on Saturdays

Sedcat community bus replaces 88 Wimborne service on Saturdays

The number 88 Saturday bus around Wimborne has been withdrawn. (current Damory route)

There have been articles and letter to the press about mainly elderly people who have been stranded because no bus service runs on a Saturday. One resident has been appealing to the Council to reinstate the bus as she feels isolated and can’t enjoy leisure activities that take place on Saturday.

Councils are under immense pressure to cut services and transport is right in the front line of service cuts.

Sedcat is a community transport provider covering Bournemouth and East Dorset.

·         Door to door minibuses

·         Volunteer drivers

·         Shopmobility at Castlepoint

Transport services are vital in rural areas. It puts pressure on older people to move into town for example.

Sedcat is looking to operate a local bus under what is known as a section 19 service. A not for profit transport solution.

Initially the service will operate for six months and as a charity we will be fundraising to keep costs and fares to a minimum.

The route will follow that of the withdrawn Damory 88 bus. People with disabilities or who live in isolated areas with no transport can pre-book a pick up outside of the route.

Who will benefit?

·         Young people with Saturday jobs

·         Anyone who wants to use Saturday leisure

·         Elderly or disabled people wanting to get into town on a Saturday

Get in more info

Or express interest...

01202 598295

info@sedcat.org.uk

www.sedcat.org.uk