Much needed bus service is back

RESIDENTS are cheering after the resumption on Monday of the shuttle bus service between local hospitals.

As reported in last week's Lake Times, following an unfortunate period where one bus was involved in an accident and a second bus required mechanical repairs, local residents were left stranded with no bus running between hospitals for patients, relatives and visitors.

The South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health shuttle service is now up and running again, albeit on a restricted timetable, after a minibus was hired to be utilised by local residents until the other two buses make a return.

Fred Egan, who we spoke to last week, said he and his wife are extremely pleased with the rapid response by South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health.

The happy couple were on hand as the bus resumed service on Monday morning.

Member for Shellharbour Lylea McMahon, who also saw off the bus on Monday morning, said she understands the importance of the shuttle bus service to many local residents.

"I have been involved in ongoing discussions with the local health service to ensure that the bus service can resume its activities as quickly as possible," she said.

"After close consultation between myself and representatives of the Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health Service, I have been assured that a bus has been hired to replace the buses in its own fleet which are currently undergoing essential repairs.

"Ensuring the continuity and quality of essential health services remains one of my key priorities, and I will continue to work hard for the interests of the local community, delivering better services for the people of Shellharbour.

She said the hiring of a new bus meant residents are provided with continued access to the region's health services and amenities.

The bus which requires mechanical repairs is set to make its return in about two weeks time while the bus which was involved in an accident will be back on the road pending the settlement of insurance enquires.