Scrapping hospital shuttle bus 'wrong', MP says

A decision to scrap transport between two hospitals for staff, patients and visitors is the "wrong move," a MP has said.

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) said it had to end the shuttle bus service between Burnley, Nelson and Blackburn hospitals because it cannot afford the £780,000 running cost.

Burnley MP Oliver Ryan said the move was "misguided" and called for a rethink.

The Trust said it "simply did not have the funds to pay for the service".

"It is my view that this is the wrong decision - we must fight this," Labour MP Ryan said on X.

He added he will meet local bus operators, the trust and Lancashire County Council colleagues "to find a solution".

A petition launched to save the shuttle bus has raised more than 10,000 signatures.

Matthew Bromley, who set it up, said it was "an inexplicable and indefensible decision" to scrap the shuttle bus service between the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, Burnley General Teaching Hospital and Pendle Community Hospital.

He said it was a "vital link" between the two hospitals and is used by patients, visitors and NHS staff alike.

"The loss of the shuttle bus would have an impact on everyone who currently uses it and could affect a persons ability to access treatment," he said.

The trust, which last month announced it had overspent by about £26m, said: "[We] have always acknowledged how important the service is."

It said the decision could not be changed because "we simply do not have the funds to pay for it".

It also said it needed to give fair notice to the operator of the service.

A spokesman added: Whilst we appreciate and recognise the strength of feeling and support indicated in feedback and the petition created, it is not possible to reinstate the shuttle bus and it's important to be honest about that."

The trust added it remained committed to supporting passengers to make alternative arrangements and said any ideas and especially approaches from any local operators or partners who wish to explore providing a service "would be most welcome".

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