FIRST Dorset has announced a new bus service for staff at Dorset County Hospital as a driver strike seems set to enter its third week.

Staff struggled to get to and from work during the days of industrial action called by Unite, the union representing bus drivers in Weymouth and Bridport.

As a result, the local bus operator First Bus has added an extra later journey to run on Route 10 between Weymouth and Dorchester from Friday July 1.

This is part of the emergency timetable it has launched for strike days.

It will start from Weymouth at 8.10pm with a return journey setting off from Dorchester at 8.40pm to enable hospital staff to go to and from work in the evenings.

The bus company has claimed that through its emergency timetable it is operating at 87 per cent normal service.

Marc Reddy, managing director of First Dorset, said: “The hospital contacted us to make us aware that some of its staff were unable to get home after finishing their shifts in the evenings.

"Due to the critical nature of their work, we have agreed to provide these extra journeys so that its staff are able to get to work or return home safely after their shifts.”

A spokesman for Dorset County Hospital said: “We have been working closely with First Dorset to ensure buses to and from the hospital suit the needs of our patients and staff.

"This later service will enable ward staff to return home on the bus after the evening shift so we’re pleased to see this additional service introduced to the timetable.”

Unite has confirmed that it will be calling out its members on strike on Monday July 4, Wednesday July 6, Friday July 8 and Sunday July 10.  Unite has also notified First Dorset that its members will be “working to rule” from Monday July 4.