A new year round transport service for renal haemodialysis patients across the Highlands will begin on 1 October, bringing Highland Council, NHS Highland and community transport providers together under a new model.
Funded through a grant from NHS Highland, the service will combine transport operated directly by Highland Council with journeys provided by community organisations.
Wheels in Nairnshire and St John Scotland will join the council in delivering the first phase, with plans to involve additional community transport providers as the network develops.
The change is particularly significant for renal patients who must travel regularly for haemodialysis treatment, sometimes across considerable distances from rural Highland communities.
NHS Highland has contacted patients affected by the new arrangements and says plans are in place for the transition.
The new service replaces the renal patient transport previously provided by Sneckie Taxis.
Dr Ken McDonald, Consultant Renal Physician and Clinical Lead, said:
“As part of a review of patient transport arrangements, Sneckie Taxis will no longer be providing the renal patient transport service.
“Their contribution has been greatly valued by both patients and staff and we thank them for their support over the years.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with The Highland Council on this new transport model, which represents an important step towards the development of a coordinated Highland-wide Patient Transport Hub.
“By bringing together public sector and community transport expertise, we can create a service that is responsive, resilient and better able to meet the needs of patients living across Highland’s geographically dispersed communities.”
Highland Council sees the arrangement as the first phase of a broader approach which could give community transport organisations a greater role in delivering essential services.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“Community transport providers are deeply rooted in the areas they serve and have a vital role to play in supporting our communities.
“By working together, we are not only providing a year-round transport service for renal patients but also helping to strengthen the wider community transport network across Highland.
“This is the first phase of a longer-term programme.
“As the model develops, we intend to bring more community transport providers into the network, creating greater capacity, resilience and local benefit while ensuring patients continue to receive reliable transport to access treatment.”
St John Scotland is expanding its Patient Transport Service into the Highlands as part of the arrangement.
Chief Operating Officer Barri Millar said:
“For many patients, travelling to regular dialysis appointments can be difficult, particularly when living in rural communities.
“This service will help ensure people can access the treatment they need while giving volunteers a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in someone’s life.”
The immediate priority when the service begins on 1 October will be ensuring renal patients continue to reach the regular treatment they depend upon.
But the partnership is also intended to provide the foundations for something larger, with NHS Highland and Highland Council looking towards a coordinated transport network capable of serving patients across one of the most geographically challenging parts of Scotland.
