St John Health Shuttle expanding service in East Otago

MEDIA RELEASE: St John Health Shuttle expanding service in East Otago
13 March 2013

Residents in Palmerston and Waikouaiti are now able to take advantage of a community initiative from St John.

The St John Health Shuttle, which is proudly sponsored by Four Square in the South Island, has operated in Central Otago since December 2011 and in that time it has transported over 900 passengers to health -related appointments at Dunedin Hospital.

The team is now thrilled to be able to extend this service to Palmerston and Waikouaiti.

The Central Otago shuttle currently travels two routes and includes pick up points at Cromwell, Clyde, Alexandra, Roxburgh, Millers Flat, Lawrence, Omakau, and Ranfurly through to Dunedin Hospital.

Pam Hall, St John Community Care Manager, says St John is thrilled to be extending the service in the East Otago community.

“Our Heath Shuttle is focused on providing a service to the community. Many people have difficulties reaching health appointments, either because of transportation issues or financial reasons. Our Health Shuttles help people overcome those problems.”

The extension of the Health Shuttle is another example of St John’s commitment to the local area, says Mrs Hall. “We are in the process of starting a First Response Unit in Palmerston, and although the types of activity the two services are involved in are quite different, they have in common a commitment by St John to caring for the local community.”

Although Health Shuttle vehicles and setup costs are sponsored by Four Square, Mrs Hall says that as St John is a charity, people are encouraged to make a suggested donation of around $15 for the return journey.

Similar successful services have also started in Ashburton, North Canterbury and Queenstown, and St John is open to investigating other appropriate options.

The St John Health Shuttle travels from Cromwell to Dunedin via Alexandra, Omakau, Ranfurly, Palmerston and Waikouaiti on Tuesday and Thursday.

Appointment times in Dunedin must be from 11.00am.

Health Shuttle pick up times: Palmerston – 9.45am and Waikouaiti – 10.00am.

The Health Shuttle leaves Dunedin for the return journey at 3.00pm.

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