HOSPITAL patients from Haslemere will find it easier to get themselves to appointments thanks to the launch of a new transport service. The "Hospital Hoppa" will run from the Waverley area to the Royal Surrey County Hospital on an on-demand basis, with Haslemere as well as Godalming the first to benefit. Plans to launch the new service were first announced early last year and will operate daily. Initially Hospital Hoppa will operate as a pilot scheme providing the new service only in the Haslemere and Godalming areas. If it proves to be a success it will then be used across other areas. Crucial funding has been put in place by Haslemere and Godalming town councils, Waverley Borough Council's new voluntary grants panel, and with a final promised grant from Waverley borough's community partnerships fund imminently anticipated. "Hospital Hoppa has been a year in the planning, much of which has involved finding the financial resources just for this pilot scheme," said acting chairman of Hoppa Andrew Carrington. "This is just another example of how Hoppa is providing much-needed community transport services to borough residents. "We are already starting to plan the expansion of Hospital Hoppa to meet the needs of the whole Waverley community. "At the launch on April 25, we expect to be able to give more details and announce the appointment of an outstanding project director." Anyone who would like more information on Hospital Hoppa is asked to contact 01428 681701.
