Issued in partnership with The Highland Council NHS Highland and The Highland Council are pleased to announce the launch of a new bespoke year-round transport service for renal haemodialysis patients across Highland.
Funded through a grant from NHS Highland, the service marks the first phase of a new approach to patient transport delivery, designed to support the long-term development of a more sustainable, flexible and community-focused transport model for Highland.
Under the new arrangement, The Highland Council will operate a hybrid service, combining in-house delivery with support from community transport providers. In this initial phase, Wheels in Nairnshire and St John Scotland will deliver services alongside the Council, bringing extensive experience of supporting communities across Highland.
The introduction of the service forms part of the Council's wider future operating model, which seeks to strengthen partnerships with local organisations and maximise the role of community-based providers in delivering essential services.
NHS Highland has contacted all renal patients affected by the change and arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth transition to the new service.
Dr Ken McDonald, Consultant Renal Physician and Clinical Lead, said: "As part of a review of patient transport arrangements, Sneckie Taxis will no longer be providing the renal patient transport service. Their contribution has been greatly valued by both patients and staff and we thank them for their support over the years.
We are pleased to be working in partnership with The Highland Council on this new transport model, which represents an important step towards the development of a coordinated Highland-wide Patient Transport Hub. By bringing together public sector and community transport expertise, we can create a service that is responsive, resilient and better able to meet the needs of patients living across Highland's geographically dispersed communities.
"This new approach also supports our shared ambition to ensure patient transport services remain sustainable and effective for the future, while continuing to provide high-quality support for those who rely on them."
Chair of the Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said: "The launch of this new service is about much more than providing transport. It represents a key step in delivering the Council's future operating model by building stronger partnerships with community transport organisations and creating a more sustainable way of delivering essential services across Highland.
"Community transport providers are deeply rooted in the areas they serve and have a vital role to play in supporting our communities. By working together, we are not only providing a year-round transport service for renal patients but also helping to strengthen the wider community transport network across Highland.
"This is the first phase of a longer-term programme. As the model develops, we intend to bring more community transport providers into the network, creating greater capacity, resilience and local benefit while ensuring patients continue to receive reliable transport to access treatment.
"I am confident this partnership approach will deliver a strong, flexible and sustainable service for renal patients while helping shape the future of transport provision across Highland."
Barri Millar, Chief Operating Officer at St John Scotland, said: "We’re delighted to be expanding our Patient Transport Service to cover the Highlands and to be working in partnership with Highland Council. For many patients, travelling to regular dialysis appointments can be difficult, particularly when living in rural communities. This service will help ensure people can access the treatment they need while giving volunteers a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in someone's life."
The new service operates from 1 October 2026.