Burnley Council is pushing for the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust to keep the free hospital bus service that many residents rely on
Burnley: The East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) recently decided to cut the free shuttle bus service that connects Burnley, Pendle, and Blackburn hospitals. They claim they can’t keep up with the £780,000 yearly cost, which is a real bummer for the community.
At a council meeting, Burnley Council members expressed their concerns. Cllr Aurangzeb Ali, who proposed the motion, highlighted how crucial this service has been since the emergency department at Burnley General Hospital closed. It’s not just a bus; it’s a lifeline for many.
They pointed out that the decision was made without much notice or consultation, which didn’t sit well with the council. They want ELHT to rethink this move or at least talk to the community about it first.
Cllr Ali emphasized that this decision could leave vulnerable residents struggling to access healthcare. Without the shuttle, many will face hefty transport costs, making it hard for low-income families to get to appointments.
Other council members echoed these sentiments. Cllr Gordon Birtwistle stressed how important this bus is for elderly residents who need to get to the hospital. He warned that without it, some might skip necessary treatments, which could have dire consequences.
Even Cllr Jamie McGowan from the Conservative group expressed disbelief that in 2025, losing a bus service could be such a big issue. The council is determined to fight for this service, and Blackburn with Darwen will also discuss the matter soon.
