Hospital shuttle service relaunched

A SHUTTLE bus service carrying patients and visitors between Bridlington and Scarborough hospitals has been relaunched following a police investigation into its previous operator.

By The Newsroom

Published 15th Mar 2010, 11:38 BST

Updated 15th Mar 2010, 11:38 BST

Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Healthcare NHS Trust suspended the service after it emerged police were investigating licences held by North of England Ambulance Service.

The free, hourly service has now been resumed with minibuses run by Dial A Ride.

The company will operate the service until June 30 when the trust will carry out a review of the arrangement.

Trust spokesman Simon Weedy said: "We are pleased to announce that the shuttle bus service between Scarborough and Bridlington Hospitals will resume for patients, visitors and their escorts or carers.

"Once again we would like to take this opportunity to apologise to patients and visitors for any inconvenience and for your patience during this time."

The resumption of the service has been welcomed by health campaigners.

Mick Pilling, chairman of the Save Bridlington Hospital Campaign Action Group, said the service provided a "lifeline" for residents in both towns.