When submitting a proposal for a service change, boards are expected tohave fully assessed the impact of the proposed changes on the travel arrangementsof patients, carers, visitors and staff. We therefore required NHS Lanarkshire tocarry out a full transport needs assessment as part of the consultation processon the redesign of services in NHS Lanarkshire.Iwas aware of the level of concern that was raised during NHS Lanarkshire’s consultationprocess about transport issues and in particular about the difficulties for relativesand other visitors in travelling from the Monklands area to Wishaw and Hairmyres.I questioned the board about these matters at their Annual Review, and subsequentlyI required them to give me an assurance that a shuttle bus service will operatebetween Monklands and the other two hospital sites.