‘Hurdle after hurdle’: Cancer patient blindsided as vital hospital shuttle axed

Exclusive: A Queensland man supporting his wife through advanced cancer says they have been blindsided by a hospital’s decision to scrap a vital transport service with zero notice.

Trish Searle, 70, is undergoing chemotherapy at Brisbane’s Prince Charles Hospital to treat lung cancer which has spread to her spine.

“It’s spread from lung cancer through to her backbone...her back is debilitated,” her husband, Greg Searle, told nine.com.au.

Trish has also had two-thirds of a lung removed, leaving her struggling to walk long distances without losing her breath.

On Wednesday, the Cashmere couple were stunned to discover the shuttle buggy linking the car park to their appointments would be scrapped just days later on Friday.

A printed flyer at the hospital advised patients the service would end on October 30.

But for those who may only visit for treatment every two or three weeks, Mr Searle said, there was little opportunity to see it in time.

He said he only learned it was ending when the buggy driver mentioned it to him just two days before its final run.

“We’ve just got to play the cards we’re dealt. But, you know, we just seem to be jumping over more and more hurdles,” he said.

The buggy service saves patients an estimated 500-metre trek across sloping paths, roads, and outdoor walkways – a route that is especially gruelling in wet weather.

Ms Searle attends the hospital every three weeks for day-long infusions and, like many other patients, relies on the shuttle to reach oncology.

“She’s really restricted in terms of longevity – how far she can walk before she feels puffed and has to sit down,” Mr Searle said.

“I’m just disappointed the hospital can make a decision to cut off a really well-utilised public service that is so valuable… It’s a bad move.”

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Mr Searle said he was told hospital orderlies were now expected to replace the service using wheelchairs.

But he questioned how feasible that would be, arguing already-stretched staff cannot replace a shuttle carrying up to five people at a time.

Mr Searle has contacted the hospital asking for the decision to be reconsidered.

Metro North Health did not respond to nine.com.au’s question about how much notice patients received about the cancellation, stating only that the buggy was a temporary service while a new pathway was built.

“Metro North Health is committed to continuous improvements to its facilities to make the patient experience better,” a spokesperson said.

“As part of recent works at The Prince Charles Hospital including a new path under construction, a temporary buggy service was stood up to ensure patients did not have to walk an extra distance while works took place.

“The buggy operated for approximately 18 months during construction of the pathway, with the path now complete and open for use.

“Any patients with accessibility requirements are encouraged to use the drop-off bays at various locations including the main entrance, Emergency, and Palliative Care Unit, disability parking at the front of unit (with disability permit) or to ask for assistance from a Patient Support Officer on arrival.”