Transport to health

A written update was provided to the Board setting out good practice, success stories and lessons for the future since the publication of the Transport to Health Delivery Plan in October 2024. This recognised that collaboration between Transport Scotland, RTPs, local authorities & community transport groups is essential to raise profile of Transport to Health and ensure it receives the strategic attention it deserves.

The board reflected that community transport organisations are essential for providing mobility in areas underserved by commercial transport services (such as rural areas) and achieving equity between transport poverty and rural access requires targeted action, data collection and evidence sharing between NHS Boards & transport providers. Dedicated funding streams are needed to support transport solutions in underserved areas.

There are challenges regarding incentivising bus operators to divert from their standard routes to serve specific stops such as hospitals. This limits access to essential services, particularly for those with mobility challenges or limited transport options. It was acknowledged that this stems from timetabling constraints and associated liability risks and suggested that the reintroduction of the Bus Infrastructure Fund may help address these challenges, particularly in urban areas where congestion and reliability issues are most severe.

In rural areas, the priority should be delivering essential services, such as healthcare, within communities so that people are not forced to travel long distances to access them. This approach promotes equity for those with limited mobility or transport options, however robust local data would be required to make this work.

Action DB11-01: Transport Scotland officials to develop a one-page document highlighting ongoing positive work following the publication of the Transport to Health Delivery Plan, including examples listed in the paper shared with the Board for noting in the Hitrans and Nestrans areas, as well as additions from the Tactran area, to be shared with the Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government.

Action DB11-02: Cabinet Secretary for Transport to visit areas in which good examples of Transport to Health work is taking place.

Action DB11-03: Transport Scotland officials to facilitate closer engagement with Scottish Government Health & Social Care colleagues and Board members regarding transport to health to consider options for improvements.