Council Supports Expansion of Home2Hospital Service

A Home2Hospital volunteer-led service for older people and their families supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has been expanded as part of a pilot project.

The service, administered by Bolster Community, ensures people do not miss vital hospital and healthcare appointments and is delivered by volunteer drivers transporting people to South Tyrone, Belfast, Craigavon and Downpatrick.

Previously only available to residents in the Slieve Gullion and Mournes District Electoral Areas (DEAs), the service has been expanded to include Crotlieve DEA with the Council’s support. The pilot will run from September until March 2027 to ensure people don’t miss vital healthcare appointments and also help them access additional support services and links to social groups and activities.

Almost one quarter of residents in Crotlieve are aged 65 and over, with a number reporting they have previously missed an important hospital appointment due to transport issues. The introduction of the new pilot will address this.

Due to the difficulties people in the Slieve Gullion and Mournes DEA rural areas encounter accessing hospital appointments in Craigavon, Belfast and beyond, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council helped facilitate the Home2Hospital scheme which proved hugely successful.

Between April 2025 and January this year in these DEAs, the service provided 539 return journeys for 359 users, with 368 trips for residents in the Mournes DEA and 171 for those in Slieve Gullion. Thirteen volunteer drivers transported people to 21 different healthcare settings.

Bolster Community’s Home2Hospital coordinator Paula McCracken said, “For more than 14 years, the scheme has been helping older people in rural communities attend essential hospital appointments that they might otherwise struggle to reach. What started as a transport service has become much more than that, with every journey providing an opportunity to build relationships, identifying emerging needs and help older people remain connected to the services and support that enable them to live independently.

“Through delivering Home2Hospital across the area, we have built a dedicated team of committed volunteers, developed strong working relationships with local health professionals and community organisations and established straightforward systems than ensure the service runs safely, efficiently and reliably.”

Paula added: “These foundations mean we are ready to begin supporting older people in Crotlieve while already serving those in the Slieve Gullion and Mournes DEAs. The real strength of the service is the volunteers, many of whom have been part of it for years, quietly giving their time and help to assist older people attend appointments they might otherwise miss.

“Home2Hospital is about more than just a phone call or a journey. I enjoy chatting with service users, building relationships and providing reassurance along the way. Knowing a friendly conversation can make someone feel supported and valued is what makes the service so rewarding for me.”

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “We are delighted to support the expansion of the Home2Hospital service to the Crotlieve DEA through this pilot project. Access to healthcare is essential, particularly for our older residents and those living in rural areas.

“This volunteer-led service provides practical support that helps people attend vital hospital and healthcare appointments, while also reducing stress and isolation for individuals and their families. The service also connects people with additional support services, social opportunities and their wider community, helping them maintain their independence and wellbeing.”

Cllr Hanna added: “Access to public transport is often one of the biggest barriers to attending hospital appointments, with Home2Hospital helping people maintain their independence and access the healthcare they need.”