Shuttle use encouraged

Rev Reg Weeks, of Wanaka, blesses the  St John Wakatipu Health Shuttle in a ceremony  in Frankton...
Rev Reg Weeks, of Wanaka, blesses the St John Wakatipu Health Shuttle in a ceremony in Frankton in October last year. Photo by James Beech.
More than 50 residents have made use of the Wakatipu health shuttle in the first four months of its operation, and St John urges more people of all ages to use the service.

From early November to late February, 51 people took the shuttle, driven by a roster of 28 first aid trained and uniformed volunteers, from pick-up points in Queenstown, Frankton and Arrowtown, to and from their health appointments in Invercargill.

St John community care manager Pam Hall said on Friday the shuttle was available for anyone who needed assistance getting to a health-related appointment.

The Central Otago health shuttle has transported about 900 passengers since it began in November 2011.

''We do have a lot of elderly clients. However, we can and do transport many different types of people, including young people and in some instances people and their children,'' Mrs Hall said.

''Most go through to Invercargill ... but it's open to any health-related appointment, such as dental or physio.''

Mrs Hall said the operating cost of the Wakatipu service was sustainable with donations given by passengers and the set-up support of Four Square, but more funds were always welcome.

To make an appointment with the Wakatipu Health Shuttle, contact St John Wakatipu on (03) 441-4555 extension 4.

 

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