JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Seniors who live in retirement communities in Riverside are concerned about accessing medical care after learning Ascension St. Vincent’s is ending its free shuttle service.
The shuttle picks up people where they are and takes them to their appointments at no cost. Many seniors who live in communities like the Presbyterian House in Riverside depend on it.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the health system said, ”Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside care teams are committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all patients and families in our community. In May, we notified patients that, after careful consideration, we will be ending courtesy shuttle services at our Riverside campus, effective June 30.”
They suggest patients may want to start using Uber, taxis, JTA or JTA Connexion, which provides transportation for those with disabilities.
“We don’t really have any way to get to the doctor other than that shuttle bus,” Joe Robison said.
Robison takes the Ascension St. Vincent’s shuttle to get to his doctors appointments from his home at Riverside Presbyterian House at least once a month.
He said it could affect as many as one hundred people out of his building alone.
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2023/06/16/ascension-st-vincents-ends-free-shuttle-service-riders-concerned-how-theyll-access-medical-care/