A council supported bus service is making it easier for patients to travel to and from Grimsby’s Hope Street Medical Centre.

Working alongside Hope Street Medical Centre, part of Care Plus Group, the council redirected the 1,2 and 20 bus services to stop closer to the centre.

A patient at the centre spoke of his delight about the bus service:

“I attended an eight week programme at the centre and after the sessions I felt so much better. It improved my breathing dramatically and my confidence was improving. After, I was offered a programme which I attended on my own, speaking to the team they said there was a new bus that serves Victor Street. I gave this a go, bearing in mind I haven’t travelled on public transport in 10 years.

“My first experience was frightening but I managed to get there and back, this was a huge achievement for me and I had mastered my fears. I now go to Hope Street twice a week to do my exercise and I am feeling on top of the world. No chest infections for a long time and not been in hospital for over two years now and have the confidence to catch the bus on a regular basis.

“I cannot thank North East Lincolnshire Council and Stagecoach enough for supplying this bus that allows me to keep my independence and health and enjoy life to the full.”

Dave Skepper, Commercial Director at Stagecoach East Midlands, said:

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council and Care Plus Group to provide better access by bus to health and social care at Hope Street, which is helping local people lead more independent lives.”

Sylvia Leary, Hope collaborative facilitator at Care Plus Group said:

“This bus is a vital service that serves not only some of the patients that visit Hope Street Medical centre but also residents living on the East Marsh.

“I’ve spoken to many local people and they have all commented on how it has been a life saver – especially to the older people living around the Victor Street area. The service allows them to be more independent and it also reduces social isolation as many of the older people struggled to access public transport before this service was introduced. I am truly grateful to North East Lincolnshire Council and Stagecoach for all their efforts.”