Changes to the Manukau East Patient Transport Service

Lindsay Upton from Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS)

From 1st October 2019, the Manukau East Patient Transport Service (provided by MECOSS and Howick and Pakuranga Shuttles), will no longer provide transport services for patients.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
You can use the following options to organise transport to your medical appointments at Botany Super Clinic, Manukau Super Clinic and Middlemore Hospital:
1). St John Health Shuttle service
The St John Health Shuttle is expected to commence from early 2020 to provide a similar service in this area. The service will be free (koha/donations are welcome) and staffed with reliable, fully-trained drivers that will pick patients up, take them to their appointment, and drop them home safely again. For more information about the St John Health Shuttle, call toll free on 0800 9252 672 (0800 WAKA ORA).
2). Public Transport
Public transport options have improved in East Auckland as part of Auckland Transport's public transport network upgrade. To find out the best travel routes, please visit the Auckland Transport website at.govt.nz... or call toll free on 0800 103 080.
3. Private Providers
There are a number of private transport providers operating in East Auckland, such as Driving Miss Daisy (0800 948 432) and Freedom Drivers (0800 956 956). These services are ACC registered vendors and price is quoted on the requirements of each individual journey.
Dependent on your individual circumstances, you may be eligible for additional support:
a). Total Mobility Scheme
The Total Mobility scheme operated by Auckland Transport, helps people with serious mobility constraints access subsidised door-to-door transport service. The scheme offers eligible registered individuals a 50% discount (up to a maximum of $40), on fares charged by contracted taxi providers in the Auckland region. For more information, please call Auckland Transport on 09 366 6400 or visit at.govt.nz...…/accessible-trav…/total-mobility-scheme/.
b). Work and Income
Work and Income may be able to help with health-related travel and accommodation costs up to $300 a year if you meet certain eligibility criteria including income and asset limits.
Please call Work and Income toll free on 0800 559 009 to make an appointment or visit www.workandincome.govt.nz....
For more information
Counties Manukau Health is committed to the best quality of care for patients and their whanau in the East Auckland area. We will work with your doctor and the practice team to ensure that your health needs and services are not adversely affected by this change and that you continue to receive the high level of care you currently receive at your clinic.
If this change might stop you getting the care you need or if you are concerned about this change, please call the Community Central Team on 0800 262 368 or email communitycentral@middlemore.co.nz