February 18, 2016
A new patient transfer bus service between South Burnett hospitals and Toowoomba Hospital was introduced this week.
South Burnett Cluster Operations Manager Ms Peta Rutherford said the free bus service was created in response to community feedback on the lack of public transport to access health services in Toowoomba.
“Toowoomba Hospital is the South Burnett’s normal referral hospital for most specialist services, however as many patients need transport assistance we often have to send them to Brisbane for their appointments,” Ms Rutherford said.
“While Purser’s bus service is used by many people in the area to get part of the way to Brisbane, patients with mobility issues have said it can be difficult for them when they have to change over to the train at Caboolture.
“Many patients have relied on friends or family to drive them to their specialist appointments, so this hospital-to-hospital service will help make it easier for both patients and their support network.”
The bus operates Mondays to Fridays, except for public holidays, to a specific timetable and can pick up passengers from Cherbourg, Murgon, Wondai, Kingaroy and Nanango hospitals as needed.
Patients need to have a confirmed medical or allied health appointment at Toowoomba Hospital and have booked a seat by midday the day before travel to use the bus service.
“The bus is able to take up to two people in wheelchairs, and can fit baby capsules and child seats provided by Kingaroy Hospital if needed,” Ms Rutherford said.
“Carer escorts can also be accommodated if the patient’s treating doctor advises one is needed.
“We think this will be a huge benefit to patients to help them access the care they need.”
More information is available by phoning (07) 4162-9284 during business hours or by email
The current timetable is:
South Burnett to Toowoomba
6:40am – Cherbourg Hospital Departure front entrance
6:50am – Murgon Hospital Departure front entrance
7:10am – Wondai Health Service Departure front entrance
7:30am – Drop off of Renal Patients. Passengers going onto Toowoomba will be dropped at front of Kingaroy Hospital.
8:00am – Kingaroy Hospital departure – passengers to be collected at the bottom of the ramp leading up to main entrance at front of hospital.
8:15am – Nanango Hospital Departure – passengers to wait at the pergola at the front of the hospital.
10:15am – Arrival at Toowoomba Hospital
Toowoomba to South Burnett
2:15pm – Departure Toowoomba Hospital
4:05pm – Drop off at Nanango Hospital
4:30pm – Arrival at Kingaroy
4:30pm to 5:30pm – Drop offs at Wondai, Murgon and Cherbourg Hospitals.
A big thank you to the organisers of this service. Brilliant idea!