A hospice and hospital in Northumberland have formed a unique partnership to help patients attend their appointments.

Tynedale Hospice at Home and Hexham General Hospital's oncology department have teamed up to provide a free transport service for people attending medical appointments.

This door-to-door service is completely free, taking patients to their appointments and bringing them back home.

Karen Varty, patient transport coordinator at the hospice, said: "Having such a special working relationship with Hexham General Hospital means that the service the patients receive is seamless.

Karen Varty (Image: Tynedale Hospice at Home) "We are so grateful to have such amazing volunteer drivers giving their time to the hospice.

"We are continually striving to improve our services by working collaboratively with our community."

The hospice's patient transport service is an essential part of their aim to provide care to more people in the community when they need support the most.

The hospice is also keen to build similar partnerships with other medical centres.

Emily Stewart, haematology nurse specialist at Hexham General Hospital, said: "Hexham oncology day unit and Tynedale Hospice at Home work together like old friends.

"Karen and her team of wonderful volunteer drivers understand the strain on patients who try to drive to and from hospital appointments, not to mention the worry about getting parked.

"There is relief in the patient’s voice when we tell them a Tynedale Hospice at Home driver can take them.

"It’s a fantastic free service we wouldn’t like to be without."