Residents who have appointments to keep with doctors, specialists and hospitals will be able to use the St John Community Health Shuttle when it is launched in Queenstown in early November.
St John and Four Square supermarkets have combined to support the development of health shuttle services in rural locations around the South Island, including Central Otago, North Canterbury and Ashburton.
St John community care manager Pam Hall said the services were proving to be very popular and well supported by their communities. She expected the Queenstown service would be well used, providing access to health services in Invercargill.
Sponsorship from Four Square will will help pay for the shuttle vehicle and its set-up costs.
"St John health shuttles provide community transport for people who have appointments with doctors, specialists and hospitals and other health-related appointments," Mrs Hall said.
"Some people have particular challenges getting to and from an appointment due to age or health-related issues, and/or a lack of affordable transport.
"St John health shuttles are a way of assisting these people to travel to these appointments."
St John will hold information sessions for intending volunteers at its Frankton headquarters on August 24 at 10am and 7pm.
