Joining Forces was an Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust supported programme in partnership with SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. It was delivered by 12 local projects across England by local Age UKs and SSAFA branches. After 3 successful years, the programme has now ended. Many of the pages in this section will still be useful for information and advice. Alternatively, you can look at the relevant sections of the Age UK website.
For most of us just having a hospital appointment is enough to worry about. Imagine having to make a long and complicated journey alone, in pain and worried about not getting there in time. And that's to say nothing of the equally lengthy journey back, which may be in cold and dark conditions.
We asked older people to tell us about their experiences of travelling to hospital appointments. Thousands told us they really struggle to travel to routine appointments, with older people and their families facing three key issues:
Thanks to campaigners adding their voices, the NHS has announced it will review patient transport so that older people are given the care and support they need.
We heard from thousands of older people who struggle with travelling to hospital. They include 80-year-old veteran Peter, who had to spend £720 on taxis over 18 months because there's no direct bus from where he lives.
The system for getting older people to hospital isn't fit-for-purpose.
Peter took on Sam in a race to see who could get to hospital first.
Our campaign report explores the issue and explains why getting to hospital appointments is a major issue for older people.
