A DECLINE in the number of Jersey cancer patients using a £56,000-per-year shuttle bus means that it is “more economic” for the Health Department to fund taxis for Islanders undergoing cancer treatment in the UK instead.
It was this week announced that the Daisy Bus shuttle service, which takes Channel Islands and the Isle of Wight patients to their appointments at Southampton Hospital, will cease operations on Tuesday 20 August.
Following queries from the JEP, the Government of Jersey confirmed the decision to discontinue the service was made following a review which found that the £56,000-per-year bus “was not the best value for money”.
Emily Hoban, head of access for Health and Care Jersey, explained: “The Daisy Bus Service has provided an excellent and valuable service for Jersey patients.
“However, a decline in the number of Jersey passengers who were using the service has meant that it is more economical for patients and their escorts to use taxis, funded by Health and Care Jersey, instead.”
She said that Health and Care Jersey allocated £56,600 towards the service annually, but a “notable decline” in Jersey passengers using the service this year, meant that the Daisy Bus was operating at a cost of around £60 per passenger journey.
“This is significantly higher than the average cost of a £19 taxi journey,” added Ms Hoban.
“Additionally, the Daisy Bus operates on a scheduled timetable and outside these times taxis are provided for patients, which is an additional cost.”
She confirmed that the termination of the Daisy Bus contract will not have any financial impact on Jersey patients, as all taxis are already booked and paid for directly by Health and Care Jersey’s Travel Office.
“All patients who currently use the Daisy Bus Service will be made aware of their new travel arrangements when the service discontinues,” she added.
