NHS 'reconsidering' axed bus link

Protests followed the axing of the shuttle bus service

A pregnant teenager is claiming her legal action has forced an NHS trust to reconsider its decision to stop a free shuttle bus between three hospitals.

Maria Rossiter, 18, from Crawley, said the trust's solicitors had confirmed the move was being reconsidered.

The student said she could not afford travel to hospital in Redhill and must use a "less specialised" GP surgery.

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare said it was reviewing information and making a fresh decision.

The trust previously said the shuttle bus, which served hospitals in Crawley, Horsham and Redhill, was underused.

The shuttle bus service is an important service... particularly those on low incomes and unwell Maria Rossiter

According to Ms Rossiter, the trust is rescinding the decision, reconsidering the proposal, reconsulting the public and reimbursing some people for bus fares they have paid.

Ms Rossiter, who launched her legally-aided challenge this month and is expecting her baby in March, needs ante-natal care including fortnightly checks for the first eight months of her pregnancy, and weekly checks in the last month.

She said: "The shuttle bus service is an important service for all those living in Crawley, particularly those on low incomes and unwell or with relatives who are unwell."

Transport talks

A statement issued by the trust said transport discussions had continued after the removal of the bus service, and there would be a report early next year.

But it said information had been highlighted "that was not available at the time" of the decision.

It said the trust would be reimbursing the cost of patients' bus travel between the Crawley and Redhill hospitals from 18 December.

Claims would be backdated to that date if proof of travel was provided, and claims could be made at the cashiers office at East Surrey Hospital, it added.