ANYONE reading your recent report about delayed hospital transport and in particular the response of Arriva Transport solutions, would be forgiven for believing that Mr Attfield's experience was an isolated one due to his particular needs.

I was also at the hospital on the day in question and became aware of an elderly lady who was alone and in a wheel chair. 

Overhearing a conversation between her and the hospital staff who were very concerned that she had not been collected,  it became apparent that she had been sat there from 11am (it was now 3.15pm) waiting for transport which she was repeatedly assured was "on its way".

When the transport personnel arrived hospital staff questioned the delay and were told that they had had a very quiet day and had spent a couple of hours waiting to be given instructions to pick anyone up.

Something is lacking to say the least in the chain of communication. It all looks very good and smart with new vehicles and uniforms but the system is obviously not fit for purpose.

I am aware that prior to the change in system it was feared that it would not be a positive one  and unfortunately it seems that those fears were not unfounded.

I will soon require hospital transport several times every week and am dreading the prospect of such delays which will only add to the stress and strain of frequent hospital attendance.

– Concerned patient, Lydney.