Norwich SOS bus is vital safety net Healthwatch Norfolk says

Norwich's SOS Bus is facing an uncertain future with NHS bosses considering ending its funding when its current contract expires next March.

The first aid service has been a mainstay of the city centre for more than 20 years, stationed on Prince of Wales Road on Friday and Saturday nights.

It costs around £150,000 to run per year, with NHS Norfolk and Waveney comfortably its largest funder.

But bosses are asking the public to share their experiences of it as they consider whether or not to continue its funding beyond next year.

Now, patient group Healthwatch Norfolk (HWN) has backed calls to save the bus, urging people to make leaders know how much they support it.

Alex Stewart, chief executive of HWN, said: "The support offered by Norwich's SOS Bus is vital, helping 2,500 people annually.

"Its dedicated team of volunteers play a vital role in the health frontline.

"They can assist and treat people using Norwich's night-time economy reducing pressure on busy hospital emergency departments in the early hours, as well as other services like ambulances and GP practices.

"It is also offering this support in the evening and early hours of weekends when other health care services are either not available or under intense demand.

"As with the city's walk-in centre, it is vital there is a thriving health infrastructure which fits in with the needs and demands of Norfolk.

"We would urge people to make their views known to ensure this vital service continues as a health safety net for those enjoying Norwich's night-time economy."

The survey, which has been described as a "public engagement exercise" rather than a formal consultation, runs until Sunday, June 11.

Participate here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SOS_CQ/