Tim Loughton MP (East Worthing and Shoreham) has today welcomed the decision by Coperforma to step down from its role as patient transport service provider in Sussex and the announcement that South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) is to take over the contract.
Tim has been working with MPs from across Sussex on a cross-party basis to enact change and improve the patient service provision in Sussex. The group are due to be holding their third meeting with the CCG in Parliament this month.
Since 1st April 2016 the Sussex Patient Transport Service (PTS) has been managed by Coperforma. The start of the new contract saw unacceptable levels of performance. There were numerous problems examples of patients unable to make bookings, inappropriate transport showing up, such as vehicles not suitable for wheelchair users, whilst complaints were not managed and handled effectively. There were also issues with patients and health professionals being unable to get through on the phone lines and many patients were collected late or not at all, which lead to missed appointments.
Although High Weald Lewes Havens CCG, which monitors the contact on behalf of the Sussex CCGs, had been working very closely with Coperforma and performance has improved, albeit inconsistently across Sussex, there have been a number of concerns around the sustainability of the service.
Following these concerns, Coperforma have agreed to step down from the contract. In order to minimise disruption, the transfer of the contract will be phased over the next few months and SCAS will take complete control in March 2017.
Tim said:
“I have been receiving numerous complaints from constituents who have suffered as a result of Coperforma’s failure to properly manage this contract. I have heard many examples of transport failing to turn up on time, or at all, when it does it often inaccessible, and drivers who do not appear to know where to transport their patients. Many patients failed to get to their appointments at hospital and this caused distress to the vulnerable and difficulties for hospitals and their staff.
“This is clearly completely unacceptable given it is dealing with very vulnerable patients and despite the recent improvements, it was clear that Coperforma were not capable of delivering a sustainable and reliable services across Sussex. I therefore welcome their decision to step away from the contract and hand over to SCAS.
“I hope we can now move on from this debacle, learn the lessons and see a service delivered that works for all patients in Sussex, ensuring that they are transported promptly and compassionately.”