Nottingham's hospital trust has stepped in to "escalate" concerns over bus services which have been failing to arrive. NHS staff have voiced their frustration over a lack of reliable public transport options to get to work on time, with bus driver shortages plaguing numerous services across the city and beyond.
Nottinghamshire's three main bus operators, including NCT, trentbarton and CT4N, have all reported staffing shortages. The Covid pandemic has left its legacy on bus services, and disputes over fair pay and working conditions have only compounded the staffing problems in the public transport sector.
Trentbarton's driving team, for example, has roughly 130 vacancies, which is around 17% short of what is required to run a full timetable. And similar issues with CT4N's services are now causing serious concerns for staff at Nottingham's two hospitals, as well as the trust which runs them.
Read more: City Hospital buildings to be demolished to make way for new wards
Julie Best, a healthcare assistant (HCA) at City Hospital, uses the Medilink service to get into work from Forest Town near Mansfield. It is one of few suitable options, having been waiting for five years on the list for one of a limited number of staff parking permits.
The staffing issues plaguing bus operators across Nottinghamshire and the wider country, however, have almost led to her turning up late for work. "Anyone who goes to catch the Medilink waits there wondering whether it is going to turn up or not," she says.
"The queues have been long ones, and this was during the day. The other morning my 6.20am service did not turn up and I was freezing. It is just getting worse. I know the hospital is trying to resolve the issue. It is frustrating. I get up at 4.50am and I get in until eight or nine at night, we could all do without this."
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Queen's Medical Centre and City Hospital, says: "We are disappointed that again we are seeing notable disruptions to the Medilink service. We apologise for this problem which is due to driver shortages nationally.
"The Executive Team are urgently escalating concerns with colleagues in CT4N and Nottingham City Council. As an interim measure we have introduced 2 mini buses that are operating between 4pm and 7 pm. Feedback has been positive on this additional mitigating action but we know there is more to do.
"Medilink have recruited additional drivers who are currently being inducted and trained and we will continue to operate the additional mini buses until we see the impact of new recruits on the service. We will keep you updated on the position and please do continue to feedback any issues and concerns so that we can ensure these are included in our ongoing discussions with partners."
CT4N has apologised for the inconvenience caused and put the issues down to staff sickness and the national shortage of drivers. Most bus operators are now engaged in recruitment drives.
READ NEXT:
Woman recalls pain of losing brother in M1 smart motorway crash as protestors call for their end
UK's first wireless electric taxis trial to launch in Nottingham
Nottingham street where neighbours have 'up to 4 locks on doors' amid burglary warning
Nottinghamshire hospitals plea for help as staff facing 'huge amount of pressure'
