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Shuttle bus service secures 12-month extension after trial

Registered Nurse Cheree Jensen and Robina shuttle service driver with Volunteering Gold Coast Pam Carlisle at the Robina Hospital shuttle service hub

Following overwhelmingly positive feedback from patients, the Robina Transfer Unit shuttle service has been given a 12-month extension.

Operated by the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation in partnership with the Robina Transfer Unit and Volunteering Gold Coast, the service was originally launched as a six-month trial and was set to conclude in November 2024.

Enrolled Nurse at the Robina Transfer Unit Kristi Brayshaw said the introduction of the shuttle service had resulted in significant cost savings in transport costs, particularly in taxi fees.

“Within the first six weeks of operation, we calculated a cost reduction of about $47,000 for the Health and Hospital Service (HHS),” Kristi said.

“With five key staff managing the service, we now have a dedicated shuttle hub conveniently located outside the entrance of the Robina Transfer Unit.

“On average, we handle 8-10 bookings per day, with some days reaching full capacity, depending on the hospital’s patient flow.

“For us, it’s all about providing holistic care and improving patient flow throughout the hospital.”  

Robina shuttle service driver with Volunteering Gold Coast Pam Carlisle said the van rides are always such a joy and patients are incredibly entertaining.

“Our patients are laughing from the moment we leave the hospital until we drop them off at home – they consistently leave in high spirits,” Pam said.

"It’s important because we are often their last interaction with the hospital and even though being in the hospital can be tough, having patients leave laughing is incredibly rewarding.”

Pam said the shuttle team's main focus for older patients is ensuring they arrive safely inside their homes.

“Many live alone, or their families aren’t there until later and some homes have ramps or steep driveways making things tricky,” Pam said.

“We make sure they get inside safely, set them up and have their walkers ready.

“We’ve even made sandwiches and ensured they have water and all their belongings.

“When we leave, we know they’re safe and comfortable."

Registered Nurse at the Robina Transfer Unit Cheree Jensen said there are criteria for the shuttle service.

“Currently, our focus is on inpatients, particularly those being discharged from the Emergency Department (ED),” Cheree said.  

“The service helps to free up ward space, allowing more critically ill patients from ED to have immediate access to a bed.

“This service has been instrumental in helping to ease the pressure on hospital ramping and feedback from the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) has been exceptional, as it has helped to enhance patient care.” 

Chief Operating Officer at Gold Coast Hospital Foundation Joe Hanlon said the patient shuttle service is a significant project for the foundation to support because it reaches right into the homes of patients.    

“The feedback from the trial has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting how invaluable this service is in enhancing the overall patient experience and the quality of care they receive,” Joe said.  

“When you think about access to health care, getting home from hospital is often something you don't consider.

"If we can alleviate this burden for some patients while also reducing workflow pressures across the hospital, it's a win for everyone involved.”

Independently mobile patients who can take one step into the vehicle with assistance from a nurse can be referred to the service.

The service has reduced patients’ length of stay, making the best use of resources at Robina’s new Transfer Unit.

Patients can be transferred from Monday to Friday from 7am to 7pm.


Last updated 31 Oct 2024