The local NHS Trust has decided to get rid of Andover's shuttle bus service from the end of this month blaming the cost and disappointing usage.

The Winchester & Eastleigh NHS Trust say figures show the number of people travelling on the bus between the Andover and Winchester hospitals averages less than three per journey.

That means it costs £15 per person to keep going - and that's more than the patient by car service.

A statment sent to local politicians said:

Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust is the main funder of the bus service which is also supported by Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough Council.

Despite concerted efforts to raise funds and seek sponsorship, the Trust has been unable to generate enough financial support to cover or reduce its contribution to the service which is circa £42,000.

Figures based on usage from September 2009 to April 2010 show that, on average around about 30 to 35 patients use the service each week. Even with the addition of staff and visitors (who use the service to a lesser extent) the figure is only 2.87 passengers per journey.

The cost per patient journey is approximately £15 - this is higher than the passenger transport by car service (£12.69).

Even if the bus was full on every journey the income generated (£7,000) would not cover the £54,000 cost of running the bus.

The service is scheduled to be withdrawn at the end of August.

Meanwhile a statement from acting Chief Executive Dr Chris Gordon said: "Our duty, first and foremost, is to use public money to put our patients first. Providing high quality services and improving facilities has to be a priority above providing transport.

"Our commitment to Andover is clear for all to see - spending on the War Memorial Hospital's new outpatients department has far exceeded expenditure on the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. However, we cannot continue to maintain the bus service which would require funds we would rather spend on patient services."

North West Hampshire's MP believes the NHS Trust has made the right decision. Sir George Young was one of the people who helped launch the shuttle bus two years ago: "I think since then a few things have changed. Operations have been resumed in Andover and the whole policy of trying to make Andover a more self-sufficient hospital hopefully means that there's less need for journeys now from Andover to Winchester because you can get your treatment or minor operation here.

"It is costing a lot of money and that's money that would otherwise go to frontline patient care."

We'd like to know how you feel about the brakes being put on the hospital bus service. Tell us by leaving a comment below.