If you live in a rural ward and rely on the NHS, getting to Warwick or Stratford-upon-Avon Hospital is becoming a source of major anxiety. Following a motion by Cllr Rock and Cllr Hencher-Serafin, Stratford District Council (SDC) has officially acknowledged that ongoing building works are having a “detrimental effect” on parking and patient access.
The Council report notes that while hospital authorities warn of parking difficulties, they fail to promote limited public transport options, leading to missed appointments, environmental damage, and stress for residents who have no option but to drive.
The “worrying” new ambulance rule
The situation has been compounded by a quiet but significant change in policy. The Cabinet report reveals that as of 1st November 2025, the West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has revised its eligibility criteria for non-emergency patient transport.
Anyone who can walk—even if they need assistance or walking aids—is now excluded from using the patient transport service. This shift pushes more vulnerable residents back toward private cars, taxis, or volunteer services.
VASA: The lifeline under pressure
With the ambulance service stepping back, the pressure is mounting on voluntary services. The report highlights the vital role of VASA, a community transport service partially funded by the Council (£11,611 per year).
New data released in the report shows the scale of demand VASA is already managing:
- Total Journeys (April–Sept 2025): VASA volunteers facilitated 1,334 journeys to hospitals.
- Stratford Hospital: 363 journeys.
- Warwick Hospital: 456 journeys.
- Broader Impact: When including all medical appointments (GPs, clinics), VASA transported nearly 5,400 residents between April and October 2025.
The solution: A Transport Summit
The Cabinet has agreed to host a “Hospital Transport Summit.” This isn’t just a talk-shop; the Council is convening the major players who have the power to fix this:
- Warwickshire County Council (responsible for public transport).
- South Warwickshire Foundation Trust (the hospitals).
- West Midlands Ambulance Service.
- Coventry and Warwickshire ICB (Integrated Care Board).
- VASA and neighboring councils (Rugby and Warwick).
