A DRUMCHAPEL residents group is calling for improved transport links to both Gartnavel and Queen Elizabeth II University Hospitals in the wake of recent changes to Drumchapel Hospital’s services.

The Drumchapel Initiative for Transport are asking transport providers for an extension to both the hours and the geographical area covered by the existing service running to the Hyndland site.

Meanwhile, the group are also aiming for the introduction of a direct bus service running from Drumchapel to the former Southern General Hospital in Glasgow’s south side.

One member of the group, Will Thomson, said not enough has been done to ensure Drumchapel residents have access to both hospitals, which has become even more crucial after the move from Drumchapel Hospital’s out of hours’ service (OOH) to Gartnavel Hospital.

The 48-year-old added: “A service already runs from the area to the Queen Elizabeth but it goes through Blairdardie and other areas so everybody going to the hospital goes to town to get a bus because it’s much quicker than being on that (other service) for around an hour.

“We’ve got the 6A, which used to be called the 20 when I was a kid, and that’s a regular service and basically it’s the kind of service we want to the other hospital.

“It’s direct so we can’t complain about that but we want it to be available across the area – right now it doesn’t go everywhere.

“The outskirts of the area like the top of the hill they have nothing – they’ve got to get a bus, if they can find one, to the shopping centre and then get a bus from there.”

Councillor Malcolm Balfour is backing the groups plight for better transport links throughout the area.

He said: "There's a definite need for improvement to community bus links. In some areas you need two buses to get to Gartnavel Hospital and three for the Queen Elizabeth II University which is a lot of effort, especially for elderly people, to get to a local hospital."

As the Clydebank Post previously reported, a bus service running from Clydebank to the new OOH in Gartnavel had extended its hours, although it is not known if this was done in response to the service move or if it was merely coincidence.

However, there are currently no plans for any additional public transport being provided to service the route.

A SPT spokesperson said:“It is normally the case when consideration is being given to move or vary the provision of vital public services that a transport impact assessment is undertaken.

"The responsibility for patient transport rests with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

"We note that, in the consultation exercise carried out on the proposals, it was stated that transport to and from Gartnavel will be provided for those patients unable to make their own arrangements.

“We are not aware of any bus companies considering additional services from Drumchapel following the decision by NHSGGC to relocate the out-of-hours service to Gartnavel Hospital.”

Meanwhile, NHS 24 will provide transport on a case-by-case basis to patients who have been deemed by the helpline in need of OOH attention but have no available transport.

A spokeswoman said: "NHS 24 works with local health boards, where appropriate, to help arrange transport for patients attending out-of-hours appointments when there is no alternative way for the patient to attend.

"Transport would only be arranged dependent on individual circumstances and the patient's needs."