THE future of a vital hospital transport service has been made a little more certain thanks to a £15,000 cash injection from Royal Surrey County Hospital.

The announcement was made by Royal Surrey County Hospital’s chief executive last Friday, in front of Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, the Tory MP for South West Surrey, and Hoppa chairman Rob Stansbury.

The Hospital Hoppa is a community service that takes patients who live in Godalming, Haslemere and surrounding villages to medical appointments at Royal Surrey, in Guildford.

The bus picks up passengers from their front door and drops them off outside the main entrance to the hospital. The door-to-door, wheelchair accessible service is aimed at anybody who does not have easy or ready access to personal or public transport.

Mr Hunt said: “I am very familiar with the work of Hoppa and know from speaking with passengers how much they value the service.

“It provides a lifeline to many people living in rural communities who do not have access to transport.

“The service is invaluable and available to a large number of the community including the elderly, mums-to-be or those with a disability.

“This extra funding for the service is great news.

“From its conception in 2005, the service has delivered more than 21,000 passenger journeys, helping people to get to their appointments on time.”

Explaining why they decided to contribute towards the service, RSCH chief executive Paula Head told The Herald: “The Hospital Hoppa does a fantastic job at transporting large numbers of patients so that they get to the hospital on time for their appointment.

“Funding the service is a very clear example of how we spend money to save money.

“If a patient can attend their appointment, it puts us in the best possible position to manage and treat their condition.

“However, if a lack of transport means the patient is not able to attend their appointment, this could lead to their condition worsening and them needing expensive intervention or a stay in hospital.

“Missed appointments cost us money, waste precious resources and impact on waiting times so we are very clear that by investing in the Hospital Hoppa service we are able to save money in other areas.”

Waverley Hoppa Community Transport chairman Rob Stansbury said he was extremely grateful to the Royal Surrey for recognising the value of Hoppa and for providing a year’s worth of financial security.

He said: “Although, the hospital is only 13 miles away from the centre of Haslemere, there is no direct transport link, which makes demand for the service consistently high. Without it patients face either a pricey taxi journey or a lengthy bus journey.

“Hospital Hoppa takes away the waiting around and the worry of wondering whether the bus will be on time so patients can arrive more relaxed and on time for their appointment.”

To use the service, passengers need to register their details by calling 01428 681701 or visiting www. hoppa.org.uk

Demand for the service is high so it is recommended as much notice as possible is given when booking a journey.

The fare is £10 each way and £2.50 for a carer or companion.

• Hospital Hoppa is also funded by Haslemere Town Council and Godalming Town Council.