Transport to Health

Dear Colleague

Transport to Health

Many of the older people my team and I have spoken with across Wales have shared with us their experiences about travelling to and from health care services and appointments.

In addition to sharing their positive experiences, many have highlighted the challenges they sometimes face when travelling to and from health services – particularly when health and transport services do not appear to be working together to support access.

I am therefore undertaking research that is exploring the experiences of older people and will highlight areas in which improvements are needed and identify good practice that could be more widely adopted. I have recently conducted a number of focus groups, and launched a survey which is available in paper copy as well as online.

I anticipate that this research will be a valuable contribution to the upcoming Improving Public Transport Bill and the ongoing work in developing an integrated, responsive transport model for Wales.

I would greatly value your input into this research, the perspective of your organisation, and any good practice that you’re aware of regarding the challenges faced by older people.

If you, or an appropriate representative within your organisation would like to contribute to this work, either through a meeting, phone call or by submitting written information then please contact my Community Services and Inclusion Lead George Jones at george.jones@olderpoeplewales.com.  

Finally, should you wish to publicise the survey amongst your networks this would be greatly appreciated and I can provide paper copies upon request.

The survey is open until 27 September 2019.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Kind regards,

Heléna Herklots CBE

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales