Well, this gets more and more as they close hospital departments doesn't it? If you live rurally there's never been reliable transport.
Karen Flutterby for instance - OK certain services are still at Kiddermnister or the consultant comes to Kidder hosp once every so often, but if she breaks a bone, it's Worcester hosp. Friend's wife in Kidder was stuck for transport to visit him when he broke summat, as she doesn't drive. And for me to get to the hosp which serves the greater Coventry area which my GP surgery invariably refers people to - by own car is around half an hour, or public transport is at least 1hr 40min trip both ways, if both buses are on time. If they referred me locally to Nuneaton hosp it's still half an hour by bus, or allow 20 mins by car. However I prefer to go to the D clinic at Rugby hosp cos they are nicer, and that would take me at least 2 hours + each way - bus into Cov, 20 minute walk to train station, train to Rugby then taxi from there to the hosp. Coming back I'd walk back into Rugby (20 mins, uphill) then have a bodge round the shops then either walk or taxi to the train station, which is not that near the town centre, then another 20mins walk off the train to the bus station in Cov, and back home. I'd have to allow most of a day for it really.
But I'd still prefer to go there because they are the puppy's privates, and I'm worth the investment ! - both monetarily and time-wise.
As it is, with a bit of luck, luckily I have use of a car most days, and the extra petrol is made up for by cheaper and easier parking at Rugby, plus I get a far, far better service from the NHS personnel there.
Yes I'm an OAP so the first and last legs are nominally free as long as I don't clash with a rush-hour, but otherwise none of it would be - and who gets the luxury of picking a time? Not me for sure .....
