Agenda item

The Head of Transport & Highways and Assistant Transport Planner introduced a report on the current arrangements for public transport to Wexham Park Hospital and other health care centres.  A range of concerns had been raised by Members about the new First Bus timetable and routes; public transport services for Colnbrook residents to access to GP services; and disability access on some buses.

The Panel noted the information provided bus routes closest to each GP surgery in Slough, however, Members commented that in some instances the bus stop was some distance from the surgery and accessibility was a problem.  Further information was therefore requested to identify those surgeries some distance from a bus stop and to take account of any complaints received about such accessibility issues.  It was agreed that the Chair and Vice-Chair would meet with the transport team to further consider the specific local actions that could be taken to address access issues.

Concern was expressed about the fact that the Dial-a-Ride service was membership based and needed to be booked in advance which made it difficult for appointments due to unpredictable pick up times.  In view of the particular difficulties for Colnbrook residents to access health facilities, which were detailed by ward members at the meeting, it was suggested that Adult Social Care support the membership costs of disabled residents.

Further to previous scrutiny discussions, Healthwatch Slough was compiling a report on disabled access issues on bus services and it was agreed that this report be considered at the next meeting of the Panel.

Resolved –

(a)  That the report be noted.

(b)  That the further information below be compiled to identify specific issues and evidence at particular healthcare centres, bus stops/routes or other concerns about accessibility.

i.  The approximate distance between healthcare centres and the bus route/stop identified in paragraph 5.3 of the report; and

ii.  Complaints received by the Council, Healthwatch and bus service providers in the past three years about accessibility problems relating to bus services and healthcare centres.

(c)  That the Chair, Vice-Chair and Healthwatch representative meet with Transport Officers to discuss the practical improvements required to address concerns at specific locations.

(d)  That the Panel consider the Healthwatch report on disabled facilities on local bus services at the next meeting in June 2017.

(e)  That the Adult Social Care department consider funding the block membership of disabled Colnbrook residents to use the Dial-a-Ride service to access health services following the recent closure of the local surgery.