February 3 2015.


Patients in Newhaven, Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs will be able to request free and accessible transport from their homes to their local GP practices, or to the Lewes Victoria Hospital thanks to a new pilot transport scheme launched today by NHS High Weald Lewes Havens CCG.

The CCG, the local GP led body responsible for planning local health service has commissioned this new non-emergency transport scheme from community transport charity CTLA following feedback from local patients who struggled to access local health services. By providing assistance to patients to enable them to make better use of the range of services available at local GP practices and at the Minor Injury Unit in Lewes Victoria Hospital, commissioners also hope to reduce some pressure on nearby Accident and Emergency departments.

This pilot scheme will initially run for six months and is available for patients registered with any of the following five GP surgeries in Newhaven, Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs:

• Quayside Medical Practice. Newhaven
• Chapel Street Surgery Newhaven
• Rowe Avenue Surgery, Peacehaven
• Meridian Surgery (Anchor Healthcare centre), Peacehaven
• Foxhill Medical Centre, Peacehaven

Patients must be registered in order to request the transport. Registration is free and can be completed over the phone.

For more information, to register for the service or to make a booking contact CTLA on 01273 612332 or visit www.ctla.org.uk

Dr Giles Hazan, local GP at Quayside Medical Practice and clinical lead for High Weald Lewes Havens CCG said: “As local doctors we often hear from patients about the struggles they face accessing local health services. Some people who need to see their local GP are unable to get to the surgery and in extreme cases may turn to their local Accident and Emergency department simply because it’s easier to get to. We are delighted to be working with CTLA who will deliver a fast, flexible and free bus service to our local patients, which will improve their access to a wide range of health services available locally."

Managing Director of CTLA, Derek Barnett, added: “CTLA is very much looking forward to working with the patients and staff of the GP practices in Newhaven, Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs to achieve the key aims of the service and contribute to the better health and wellbeing of the patients.”


Pictured: (L-R) : Derek Barnett, CTLA : Dr Giles Hazan, local GP at Quayside Medical Practice and clinical lead for High Weald Lewes Havens CCG : Barry Dawson, CTLA Driver.