Transport to relief , Boston or bust.

[ReccyMech]

I am a young side of Sixties. Living in Lincolnshire. Now retired due to ill health. I used to have my own Business until the incident with the pothole and my spine getting damaged. After long winded treatments, I now have these ESI's in the bottom of the spine (22 and counting) So what's next ? Well getting there is the next question, the NHS Trust has cut the transport and I cannot find alternatives. They suggested a cab at £60+ each way. £120+ So where's the saving there ? Being a Veteran I tend to get by most things, but this has reduced me to coping in the Summer (warm) and hibernating in the Cold months. Life was so easy at one time, I have skills and now even wasted by being underused. Gone are the days of walking into a job. If I was working I could afford cabs. Sometimes I wonder what world these people live in, with being paid very good wages and as far as I can work out, without any logical minds. So the British Legion may come to my rescue and arrange a lift to Boston and hopefully return. I would drive there, but they say you cannot drive back. Hey o that's life. Time is one reflection after another. Twenty years hence : Do you remember when we had a Health Service ?

[Bananas5]

Hello ReccyMech and welcome on board.

You say you are a Veteran? Are you in receipt of a War Pension?

x

[Rosepetal60]

There may be ( most likely will be) be a voluntary car service in your area which you may be able to find at your GP surgery or in your local newsletter. If so they will be able to arrange transport for you at up to 45p a miles for medical appointments. There maybe an extra fee of £2 but not always. Also check on your county council's website or local town website for info on it. The voluntary car driver will be driving their own car, they will collect you from your own home, take you to your medical appointment. Wait for you and bring you back home again.

[ReccyMech in reply to Rosepetal60]

I did find a service through the British Legion. It's not a regular service, just shoulder to shoulder care. Something that the NHS once offered. I went and got the jab, the only thing is it is the last one I will receive under the present regime. CUTS CUTS CUTS. When is it going to stop. The people there, were given transport without any questions, they told them that "I am having a procedure" that is part of the scheme. So annoyed at the Westminster gas works at the moment. Perhaps shutting parliament for a year while they fix it up could cut hot air & CO2 emissions. Certainly might close up a few rings and help with the atmosphere.

[RibvanRey]

Pilgrim have Volunteers Hospital Car drivers. My neighbour uses them to take her to outpatients and home. There also was a Dial a Ride bus service but I am not certain if that is still running. There is also Red Cross befriender service. All of these are worth a Google.

Good luck, Rib

[ReccyMech]

Thanks for the reply, I have tried to book these in the past. The nearest is at Long Sutton, we are part of Crowland district now. But I will ask about drivers again. Seems that all areas have their own rules. I have left a post on the Pilgrim page at NHS choices. I spoke to my GP today, he isn't looking too well. Stress and Tiredness is a combination he could do without. But he said he cannot do anything now. The trusts are the place to go. The internet is a marvelous tool for sharing the word on things not up to par. The Doctor wasn't aware of the changes to the Transport at Pilgrim, also the alternative Pain management is at Stamford, still too far away. I think it's a deliberate action to cut off patents to treatment, thus saving money. Peterborough with all it's new buildings and private initiative system. The pain management has been transferred to Stamford. I really cannot see how a city such as Peterborough can do without a Pain management department. We are looking at getting quotes from cab firms again.