Frome is host to several services designed to help residents without transport to access medical or dental appointments. Frome Town Council’s Assisted Travel web page maintains information about some of the options. Cllr Philip Campagna said:
“We’re fortunate to have good public transport options for a small town, thanks in part to Peter Travis, Tracey Harding and the fantastic FAVBUG team’s campaign to retain and improve local bus services. And we’re luckier than many Somerset towns in having a train station. However, for older people, or those with additional needs, and with our nearest general hospital in Bath, it can be really challenging to get to things like hospital appointments without a car. Luckily, there are options for you – for most you’ll need to register in advance so it’s worth planning ahead. All phone numbers and links for individual services are on the FTC website – link at the bottom of this article.”
Frome Community Drivers
Volunteer community drivers will collect from any home address in BA11, take you to where you need to go, wait for up to an hour (or come back to collect you if you need longer) and take you back home. You can use volunteer drivers for:
- GP, dentist or hospital appointments.
- to visit someone else in hospital or at a care home.
- therapy group or social group meetings.
- depending on driver availability, you can also book for supermarket trips.
A contribution of a £5 booking fee + 80p per mile is requested to cover drivers’ expenses. There is a 50% discount if you have a bus pass.
Book Frome Community Drivers by calling 07596 591391.
Mendip Community Transport(MCT)
This service provides transport for senior citizens, those with disabilities and socially excluded persons (for instance those with no access to local bus routes). It includes the Slinky Bus and Hospital Car Service (see below). You must register in advance for MCT services; if you cannot do this online they can provide a paper form.
MCT services are first come, first served, so passengers are advised to give as much notice as possible, they can book up to 14 days in advance (15 days for medical appointment).
Slinky Bus
Slinky is a door-to-door, demand-responsive transport service funded by Somerset Council and operated by Mendip Community Transport. It is for anyone not served by or unable to access public transport services. All vehicles are accessible. Once you are registered you can book the Slinky Bus by calling 01749 880482 during office hours.
Slinky bus services visit Frome on Journeys up to 3 miles cost £2.50 single or £4 return. Journeys 3 miles and over are £3.50 single and £5 return. There is a 50% reduction for bus pass holders and children aged 5 to 16. Under fives travel free.
Hospital car service
Mendip Community Transport’s operates a Hospital Car Service. It provides transport to outpatient departments at hospitals and other medical appointments, for patients who are unable to use conventional public transport, staffed by volunteer drivers. The service is only available where the distance to the hospital is more than 12 miles.
There is a charge for this service based on the overall mileage, plus an administration fee of £2.50. Additional costs may be incurred if your appointment is longer than two hours, or you need to amend your booking. Once you are registered you can book the Hospital Car Service by calling 01749 880613 during office hours.
The Patient Transport Advice Centre
Eligibility criteria apply. People registered with Somerset GP practices can enquire about transport to appointments. Call 01278 727444 8.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday or email transport@somerset.nhs.uk.
Find out more about the services above and other useful information, including railcards and bus passes, how to get a Blue Badge, accessible country walks and more on the FTC Assisted Travel page at https://bit.ly/ftc-assisted-travel. If you need help accessing the page, call Frome Town Council on 01373 465757 or visit the town hall reception during office hours, Monday to Friday.
