Park and Ride York What is an advanced medical decision?

The traffic in York at the moment seems to be busier than ever. Coincide this with the cost of fuel and those pricey pay and display car parks in the city centre and you begin to wonder why local residents don’t make more use of the Park & Ride Bus service.

There are several Park & Ride sites located around the city, providing a fast and convenient way to get into the city centre. Despite being popular amongst York’s many tourist visitors, they appear to be widely under used by York’s locals.

Here’s a quick guide to getting the most out of this service and why you should consider it, the next time you’re planning a trip into town.

Prices

An adult single ticket costs £2.50 and a return £3.60 – but beware, if you’re using the new Tap on Tap off system (available on all First York services), you will be charged for 2 single journeys. In this instance, we recommend purchasing a return ticket from the driver or on the First York App.

Anyone with a concessionary bus pass can get a return fare for only £1.30. Please ask the driver for a ticket to ensure you are not asked to pay on your return journey.

Up to three children under the age of 16 can travel for free with a paying adult when boarding at a Park & Ride site. A child return fare is £1.80 with 16–18-year-olds paying £3.00 return.

There is no charge to park at any of the sites, which can also be accessed by foot or bicycle –cycle lockers are available at an additional charge. All Park & Ride buses are dog friendly.

Locations

Askham Bar Park and Ride (Service 3) stops at Blossom Street, York Railway Station, Rougier Street and Tower street.

Designer Outlet (Service 7) stops at Clifford Street, Rougier Street, York Railway Station, Nunnery Lane and the Barbican.

Grimston Bar (Service 8) stops at Foss Islands Road, Peasholme Green, Piccadilly and Lawrence Street.

Monks Cross (Service 9) stops at Peasholme Green, Stonebow Rougier Street and York Railway Station.

Rawcliffe Bar (Service 2) stops at The National Railway Museum, Station Avenue and Museum Street.

The Hospital Park and Ride also operates from Rawcliffe Bar to York Hospital.

Poppleton Bar Park and Ride is not currently in use, but it is hoped to reopen this soon. All Park & Ride services run at 10–20-minute intervals throughout the day. Please check the First Bus York website for timetables.

An advance medical decision, often referred to as an ‘advance directive’ or ‘Living Will’, is a written statement of your wishes about medical treatment if you become terminally ill or incapacitated.

An advance medical decision allows a person to refuse specified treatment in specified circumstances such as: -

Physical illness which is so serious that life is nearing an end and there is no likelihood of recovery;

Permanent serious mental impairment with physical illness and/or

Permanent unconsciousness

You are completely free to refuse to undergo medical treatment even if, as a result, it brings about your death. However, you must have the mental capacity to make that decision. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 gives clear legal status to advance medical decisions, which means that health professionals must follow them, if they are valid and applicable to the specified treatment and circumstances.

It is important that an advance medical decision is well drafted, so it is valid and applicable to the specified treatment and circumstances. You should discuss your wishes with your immediate family. The document is not intended to be a substitute for discussion with medical staff and it is always recommended that you talk fully with your doctor about your treatment. An advance medical decision does not ask a doctor to do anything against existing law, but it is useful when decisions must be made on prolonging an individual’s life.

Please do not hesitate to contact a member of our Private Client team for help and advice on putting an advance medical decision in place.

Sharon Richardson is a Director and Head of the Private Client team of solicitors at Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors. She is a Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) accredited member. Her membership of SFE shows she has a wealth of experience within this key legal area as members are required to have spent a substantial amount of time working for elderly clients as well as support for the family and carers.

You can contact Sharon at the York office on Clifford Street on 01904 624185.