MP welcomes NHS review into ‘postcode lottery’ patient transport system

Local MP Tim Farron has welcomed the announcement from NHS England that they are launching a wholescale national review into the patient transport system.

Last year Tim introduced a bill which called for the Government to conduct a full-scale review of patient journey times for elderly people across the country, as part of Age UK's 'Painful Journeys' campaign.

Residents in South Cumbria have to make 2-3-hour trips to Preston for vital treatment such as radiotherapy.

Tim said: "Here in the South Lakes where the number of people over the age of 60 is 10% higher than the national average, we know all too well the struggle that older people face when it comes to travelling to hospital.

"The current system for transporting people to hospitals is pretty much a postcode lottery at the severe detriment of the elderly in our area.

"So, I'm delighted that NHS England have agreed to conduct a review so we can hopefully have a patient transport which is fit for purpose."