The Portsmouth Daisy Bus, which transports cancer patients from Southsea directly to Queen Alexandra Hospital, will no longer be run by Wessex Cancer Support – but a local community group are stepping in to save the vital service.
The bus will cease to operate from 22nd December as the charity pulls its funding for the provision. However, from 5th January 2026, Daisy Ring Bus CIC will take over the operation of the much-needed patient transport service.
The move will bring both the Southampton and Portsmouth Daisy Buses under one coordinated, community-led organisation. It is said this will allow Wessex Cancer Support to focus on providing emotional and psychological support to those affected by cancer.
Island Echo asked Wessex Cancer Support for a statement on their withdrawal of funding last Friday, but no response has been forthcoming.
Michele Le Quesne Newton, Chair of the Daisy Ring Bus CIC, has said:
“Everything we do is done with care and compassion. It’s a sobering thought that we will be available to transport any Islander with cancer who needs radiotherapy or chemotherapy in Southampton or Portsmouth – we’ve got you, dear patients – we can do this.”
Diane Cutler, Chair of Wessex Cancer Support, said:
“This is great news for any Islander with cancer who might need to use the Portsmouth Daisy Bus. We’re delighted that the Daisy Ring Bus CIC is taking over the running of this service and hugely are hugely grateful to everyone who has helped to has helped to make this happen.
Article continues below this advertisement “On the Island, our Newport Cancer Support Centre will continue to offer a range of free services such as counselling, complementary therapies and support groups for anyone affected by cancer”.
Due to rebranding, safety checks and vehicle servicing, the Portsmouth service will not be available from 22nd December until 5th January.
The NHS spends £40 million a year on dedicated diversity officers and associated roles. A completely pointless, woke waste of money that could be spent providing services such as the daisy bus.
Given that “wokery” is an awareness of social injustice, I should have thought it would be very welcome in circumstances where dangerously ill people face unaffordable transport costs to obtain treatment.
Well done Daisy Ring Bus CIC and Wessex Cancer Support, both of which are doing invaluable work to help people facing probably the most difficult time in their life
I used the Portsmouth daisy bus for five weeks 4 years ago it does a great job please support
If the island hospital provided all the services needed
for Islanders then the bus would not be required, but
because the Islands NHS hospital does not provide all
services needed, the islands NHS budget should pay for
the bus.