A NEW bus service launched this week to run between Kidderminster, Worcester Royal Infirmary and the Alexandra Hospital, has already been criticised by a Unison spokesman who claims it does not accommodate staff's shift times.

The service provides free travel for patients, staff and visitors to travel between the hospitals.

But Unison spokesman Nina Woodford believes the last bus leaving the Alexandra at 9.30pm is too early for staff who often finish late from their 9pm shift.

She said: "In the real world, staff don't finish shifts on time. When they do they want to get changed.

"The last bus doesn't take into account they may have an extremely busy shift.

"We've been told taxis will be provided for staff who miss the bus, this will prove extremely expensive.

But a trust spokesman said as well as a free public bus service there was also a shuttle service to accommodate staff finishing late.

The spokesman said: "The shuttle service will ensure nurses and staff get where they need to, even if they have to stay late.

"We will make sure any staff who miss the free bus will be found alternative transport."

Health Authority spokesman, Alec Kendall, said: "The timetable was designed with the full co-operation of senior trust staff around a three-shift system so it would accommodate the nursing staff.

"But this is a also a public service designed to be accessible to our patients and their visitors.

"There may initially be teething problems with the service, but we have given our best shot in designing a service which will meet everybody's needs."