A pensioner from St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe claims the NHS should provide transport for the elderly to get to and from hospital appointments.

Dennis Haywood, 79, of Kingsdown Road, St Margaret’s, said he feels free transport to hospitals should be provided to those who struggle to get there - not just those who are wheelchair or bed-bound.

The retired miner has been told he is not eligible for Patient Transport Services to get to Kent and Canterbury Hospital, despite struggling with his mobility.

“I think it’s disgusting that a man at 79-years-old has got to pay to get to hospital as I can walk to the car and back I am classed as fit. I walk with the stick, I can’t walk without it.

“It’s very uncomfortable when I walk and it’s only 30-40 yards before I have to stop.”

Mr Haywood had a spinal fusion operation in 1982 and ever since has suffered from spondylitis in his neck and shoulder. This is inflammation of the joints in his spine which leads to pain and stiffness. He also has bursitis, or inflammation of fluid-filled sacs in his hip, which also causes great discomfort.

“I think it’s disgusting that a man at 79-years-old has got to pay to get to hospital as I can walk to the car and back I am classed as fit." - Mr Haywood

The condition means he has to attend appointments for injections in his spine and needs someone to drive him as the procedure does not allow him to drive himself.

His wife Peggy, 76, is recovering from breast cancer which means they struggle to help each other get to appointments.

He said the transport has been offered to get to the Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother hospital in Margate but not Canterbury.

Mr Haywood says a taxi would cost him £40 and as a pensioner, he is struggling to find the money. On top of this, his wife also has various appointments at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

“It’s a hell of a lot of money. This area wants to make money out of old people.” He said.

Mr Haywood is calling on the NHS to act or he will be forced to pay for private medical care.

The pensioner added: “I have worked all my life, paid national insurance and now I’m going to have to pay to go privately.”