Improved community transport service for the people of Port Augusta
People in Port Augusta, South Australia, now have access to a tailored transport service to Whyalla and Adelaide if they are too ill or disabled to use regular public transport.
The ‘Community Transport Service’, developed after 18 months work by the Port Augusta Community Transport Steering Group, provides a weekly service to Adelaide by commercial bus and a weekly service to Whyalla using government cars and seven dedicated volunteer drivers.
Key partners involved in the service include Country Health SA, Port Augusta Hospital, Northern Community Passenger Transport Network, Port Augusta City Council and local GPs.
Service clubs and businesses to offer assistance include Rotary, Port Augusta Sporting and Social Club, the Knights of the Southern Cross, Woolworths and Ross Signs.
Chief executive of Country Health SA, George Beltchev, said consultation with country residents has shown transport, accommodation and carer support services are key issues for Country Health SA to address.
Country Health SA is continuing to work in partnership with metropolitan health regions to support country patient access to outpatient services by encouraging scheduling of appointments, where possible, to allow for same day travel.
