MANDURAH aged pensioner Warren Baker and Independent Candidate for Dawesville Dave Schumacher are “hopping mad” at the prospect of losing transport services that take seniors to medical appointments.
Rockingham Peel Group executive director Kathleen Smith said Rockingham Peel Group operates a volunteer car driver service for patients in the Mandurah area to attend medical appointments in the Perth metropolitan area.
“This service is currently being reviewed to enhance governance and administrative arrangements, with some administrative functions currently based in Mandurah being moved to Rockingham,” she said.
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READ NOWCr Schumacher said a lot of Mandurah seniors use the service.
“Mandurah residents are being pushed aside again – it’s a big kick in the guts for our seniors,” he said.
“I was disgusted when I heard the service was moving to Rockingham.”
Mr Baker said he had been using the service for more than nine years.
“I use the service for podiatry every six weeks and for when I need to visit the doctor or hospital for X-rays, heart stress tests and ECGs,” he said.
“Everyone who uses the service and the drivers are mad.
“I don’t know how I’ll get to appointments now – I’ll have to get a taxi.”
Ms Smith said the changes to the transport service were aimed at improving the customer service provided to all patients needing transport assistance.
“The service is currently operating as normal and we will continue to consult with our Community Advisory Council and volunteers throughout the review process to ensure the impact of any change is carefully considered,” she said.