The local community, backed by UNISON, have launched a campaign to stop the privatisation of the patient transport service (PTS) within Greater Manchester.

The contract is up for tender, and the preferred bidder is currently ARRIVA Bus Company, based purely on cost as the in-house service performed better on quality. We are concerned that this move is going to affect the service as the private company starts to try and make profit by cutting corners.The service is provided currently by 375 staff directly employed by the NHS. The service provides non-urgent transport to and from hospital appointments for those with real medical needs. North West Ambulance Service undertakes over 2.3 million journeys every year.

The service is also part of the resilience plan for emergency situations within the Greater Manchester area which is defined as a high risk area by Central Government.

We believe this is the first step towards the wholesale privatisation of our NHS and that we must campaign to stop it.