Hospital Hopper

The transport scheme offers residents of all ages across parts of north east Essex a wheelchair accessible door-to-door service.

Last year (2017/2018), the Tendring Community Transport – a charity which includes the Hospital Hopper,

Dial-a-Ride and Community Transport for Groups services – completed 145,709 journeys.

The Hospital Hopper regularly picks people up from

Holland-on-Sea, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Clacton, Little Clacton, St. Osyth, Gt. Bentley Village Hall and Colchester before dropping them off at the hospital they require.

The Tendring Hospital Hopper – which is free for those with a concessionary bus pass after 09:00am – operates from Monday to Sunday,

with the last bus leaving Colchester General Hospital at 20:20pm (Monday – Friday) and 17:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.

“Funding for services such as the Tendring Community Transport and with it the Hospital Hopper is vital if we are to help the residents

of north east Essex attend hospital appointments,” said Chris Howlett, Programme Director for NEE CCG.

“Access to affordable and reliable transport services is particularly important for people who live in rural communities and for those

who are less mobile or with a disability. Consequently the CCG will continue to work with local authorities, Essex County Council and the voluntary sector to find ways

of improving transport services for our patients and their families.”                                                                  

Pauline Mann, CEO at Tendring Community Transport, said: “The funding is great news. It means the hopper service, which is heavily relied upon by Tendring residents, can continue for another year.

“I am grateful for the support we received in securing this funding from Tendring District Council, Community Voluntary Services Tendring and the North East Essex Health Forum.”