A TROUBLED patient transport service is today aiming for a fresh start as the NHS resumes control of running it.

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) has taken over the Sussex-wide non-emergency transport scheme from private firm Coperforma.

Coperforma experienced months of delays, problems with technology and issues with subcontractors after being awarded the contract in April 2016.

The service had previously been run by South East Coast Ambulance.

Thousands of patients found themselves missing important appointments such as dialysis and cancer treatment because of the problems with Coperforma.

The firm eventually handed the contract back in November and clinical commissioning groups (CGC) in Sussex appointed SCAS.

SCAS said preparations had been going well but deputy chief executive James Underhay warned they would need a bedding-in period of two to three months.

He said: “It is obviously a very challenging project and there will be a lot of work to get things back on track, especially given the problems we have had to inherit.

“However things are going as well as they could be and we have had a good response from drivers who are determined for this to be a seamless as possible.

“We are dealing with some very vulnerable patients here and we are committed to making it work.”

GMB union representative Gary Palmer said he was delighted to see the service come back into the NHS.

He said: “Twelve months ago we were very apprehensive. Right from the start we said we knew Coperforma was going to be a disaster and that is what happened.

“It is good to be working with the NHS, an organisation which is in it for the patients and not for profit.

High Weald Lewes Havens CCG led the tendering process for the multi-million pound contract on behalf of the county’s CCGs

It says patients do not have to do anything different and should continue to book their transport in the usual way.

They are asked not to call the booking centre just to check an existing booking.