Stop The NHS Staff Shuttle Service from being liquidated
The Issue
For many of us working at King George Hospital and Queen’s Hospital in Romford, the NHS staff shuttle bus has been a lifeline. The NHS Trust have contracted the shuttle service to Mitie which have then subcontracted to Luminus London Minibuses.
Recently, however, we have been notified by the NHS Trust that our vital shuttle service will be discontinued from the beginning of December 2026. The impact of this decision on staff cannot be overstated.
This shuttle service isn’t simply a convenience; it is essential. Many staff members, particularly women, rely on this service not only to get to work but also to feel safe when travelling during late-night and early-morning shifts. Public transport can be difficult and, frankly, unsafe at those hours. The shuttle provides a much-needed sense of security and peace of mind.
In addition, the service helps staff manage the many logistical challenges we face in our demanding healthcare roles. Whether it is attending inter-hospital appointments, participating in essential meetings, or simply travelling between locations to provide the best possible care for our patients, the staff shuttle is vital.
Without it, the logistical burden on staff could increase significantly, potentially causing disruption to patient care.
Moreover, our shuttle drivers are an important part of our hospital community. The cancellation of the service puts their livelihoods at risk. The current drivers have become trusted members of our daily routine, and they are now facing uncertainty about their future employment.
We entered into this arrangement expecting a long-term solution that would benefit staff across both hospitals. The unilateral cancellation of such a critical service is therefore both short-sighted and harmful.
Removing the shuttle could create unnecessary barriers for hard-working NHS staff, potentially affecting their ability to get to work safely, their efficiency, and their morale.
Our Request
By signing this petition, we urge the NHS Trust to reconsider its decision and commit to retaining the NHS staff shuttle service.
Please lend your voice in support of essential hospital staff and help ensure that safety, staff wellbeing, reliable transport, and the delivery of high-quality patient care remain priorities within our NHS.
1,472
The Issue
For many of us working at King George Hospital and Queen’s Hospital in Romford, the NHS staff shuttle bus has been a lifeline. The NHS Trust have contracted the shuttle service to Mitie which have then subcontracted to Luminus London Minibuses.
Recently, however, we have been notified by the NHS Trust that our vital shuttle service will be discontinued from the beginning of December 2026. The impact of this decision on staff cannot be overstated.
This shuttle service isn’t simply a convenience; it is essential. Many staff members, particularly women, rely on this service not only to get to work but also to feel safe when travelling during late-night and early-morning shifts. Public transport can be difficult and, frankly, unsafe at those hours. The shuttle provides a much-needed sense of security and peace of mind.
In addition, the service helps staff manage the many logistical challenges we face in our demanding healthcare roles. Whether it is attending inter-hospital appointments, participating in essential meetings, or simply travelling between locations to provide the best possible care for our patients, the staff shuttle is vital.
Without it, the logistical burden on staff could increase significantly, potentially causing disruption to patient care.
Moreover, our shuttle drivers are an important part of our hospital community. The cancellation of the service puts their livelihoods at risk. The current drivers have become trusted members of our daily routine, and they are now facing uncertainty about their future employment.
We entered into this arrangement expecting a long-term solution that would benefit staff across both hospitals. The unilateral cancellation of such a critical service is therefore both short-sighted and harmful.
Removing the shuttle could create unnecessary barriers for hard-working NHS staff, potentially affecting their ability to get to work safely, their efficiency, and their morale.
Our Request
By signing this petition, we urge the NHS Trust to reconsider its decision and commit to retaining the NHS staff shuttle service.
Please lend your voice in support of essential hospital staff and help ensure that safety, staff wellbeing, reliable transport, and the delivery of high-quality patient care remain priorities within our NHS.
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Petition created on 8 October 2026