Masterton health shuttle to launch

A Masterton health shuttle from January will offer a door-to-door and fixed-route service Mondays and Fridays for residents to get to key health agencies including Wairarapa Hospital (pictured).

A much-needed shuttle service which will take people to medical appointments around Masterton will be launched next year.

From January 12, St John, with Masterton Medical, will be offering a door to door and a fixed-route service on Mondays and Fridays, for residents to get to key health organisations.

The initial route will include Te Awhina Community House, Masterton Medical, Wairarapa Hospital, MedLab, Wrigley St Health, Te Rangimarie Marae, Whaiora, St Matthew's Church and Te Awhina Community House.

"People will be collected from their homes and then once their appointment is over, we will be there to pick them up and transport them back again," said Jenny Chalmers, St John Wairarapa Health Shuttle project leader.

"All we ask in return is that people who use the service make a donation to help cover the costs of running the shuttle."

Mrs Chalmers said the idea came about when Masterton Medical, which has 23,000 patients on its books, moved from Lincoln Rd to Colombo Rd after a fire damaged its premises.

"We saw that Masterton Medical had a need.

"We asked them about that and we started thinking there might be other needs to go to other places in Masterton."

She said the service aimed to remove the stress of getting to and from appointments for people with limited options, who were on their own or who had mobility issues.

She encouraged people to support the service by using it and for businesses and community organisations to support the venture financially.

If demand for the service grows, it may run on other days.

"The health shuttle service is possible thanks to support we have received from Masterton Medical," said Mrs Chalmers.

"Local support is essential to ensure it can become a regular service and increase its operations to include other parts of Wairarapa and run more frequently."

A team of volunteers has been recruited and trained but Mrs Chalmers said more volunteers were needed to make sure the service could grow over time.

"Whether you are able to volunteer or make a donation we need you to support St John so it can support you, your family and friends when you need us most."

To arrange transport on the shuttle, phone 0800 589 630 or text 027 8079 144.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer for the shuttle service, phone 06 378 7933 or email stjohn-masterton@xtra.co.nz