Pilot bus service for diagnostic centre access

A pilot bus service aimed at helping patients reach diagnostic appointments in Lincoln is to start next month.

The two‑month trial will see buses run every 30 minutes between the central bus station and Lincoln Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), via St Marks Street, on weekdays.

Concerns have been raised about access for patients without cars because the CDC is one mile (1.6km) from Lincoln's train station and can take more than 20 minutes to reach on foot.

Prof Karen Dunderdale, Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group Chief Executive, said: "We're doing everything that we can to make it as accessible as possible for everyone."

Services will operate from 1 June, between 08:45 and 15:15 BST with a temporary bus stop introduced on Poplar Avenue, close to the centre.

Stephen Bryce, managing director of PC Coaches of Lincoln which is running the scheme, said: "This service removes many of the barriers faced by people using the CDC, especially those with mobility issues".

The trial bus service has been set up with support from Lincoln MP Hamish Falconer, who said improving access for patients is "incredibly important".

"A number of constituents raised with me how difficult it could be to reach the site without a car, particularly for older residents and those with mobility issues," he said.

During the pilot, an electric bus will be used for two weeks in July.

Falconer said: "This pilot will make it easier for patients, visitors and staff to access the CDC, while also trialling Lincoln's first electric bus on a public route."

Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group said it would review the scheme to determine whether it could operate on a long-term basis.

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