Kerry Cancer Support Group Health Link Transport - A Bus to Health and Hope

County Kerry is a rural county in the South-West of Ireland, with a population of about 160,000. The prevalence of cancer is increasing internationally, and this trend is also evident in Ireland. The Kerry Cancer Support Group Health Link Transport (KCSGHLT) is a community-based charity established nearly 15 years ago to provide essential transport services for cancer patients attending treatment appointments. KCSGHLT collaborates with the Health Service Executive, the Irish Cancer Society, and other relevant agencies. It operates independently and is governed by a voluntary board.

Over the first 12 years, KCSGHLT transported more than 6,000 individuals to over 60,000 cancer-related appointments scheduled across 11 hospitals. Currently, KCSGHLT employs 2 staff members and has 6 voluntary drivers, 6 employed drivers, and 12 peer companions. The service operates 5 days a week and does not require a medical referral. Each service user receives a handcrafted blanket as part of their care package at the beginning of their journey, thanks to the support of local knitting groups that meet regularly to create these blankets.

KCSGHLT is an inclusive service, and users report that the bus not only provides invaluable transport but also offers psycho-social benefits and enhances treatment engagement. Economically, using KCSGHLT’s service is highly beneficial; it would cost a person over €500 for private transport, between €400 and €800 for public transport, and over €5,000 for taxis to attend an appointment. However, KCSGHLT provides its services free of charge. Additionally, using the bus helps decrease environmental pollution by reducing individual travel.

We argue that transport is a significant barrier to accessing health and social care for many individuals, particularly in rural areas or where family support and social networks are limited. Furthermore, travelling on the bus offers people the chance to socialise and connect with others who are on a similar cancer journey. Our data indicates that this interaction can improve treatment engagement, and the economic and environmental benefits should not be overlooked.

Policymakers should ensure that appropriate transport structures are in place to make services accessible for everyone and reduce the burden on families. The case of KCSGHLT is a success story demonstrating how local communities can design and deliver essential services needed in their area. The lessons learned from their experience may be valuable for an international audience.