03869, Rollinsford, New Hampshire Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 03869, Rollinsford, New Hampshire is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.50 percent of residents in 03869 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wentworth-Douglass Hospital with a distance of 1.98 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rollinsford, NH (ZIP Code 03869)

Imagine yourself, a prospective resident, considering a move to the charming town of Rollinsford, New Hampshire (ZIP code 03869). You value community, perhaps a slower pace of life, and the beauty of the Seacoast region. But beyond the idyllic scenery, a crucial factor in your decision-making process is access to healthcare, specifically, the availability and ease of transportation to essential services like breast cancer screening and treatment. This "Breast Cancer Score" aims to illuminate the realities of healthcare access in Rollinsford, focusing on transportation options and their impact on timely care.

Rollinsford, nestled along the Salmon Falls River, offers a blend of residential tranquility and proximity to larger urban centers. However, its location also presents transportation challenges, particularly for those needing specialized medical care. The ability to reach healthcare facilities efficiently is paramount, especially when dealing with the complexities of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The "Breast Cancer Score" will consider the drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation resources available, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access in this community.

Let's begin with the most common mode of transportation: the personal vehicle. For residents of Rollinsford, the primary routes to access breast cancer-related healthcare involve driving. The closest major medical centers offering comprehensive breast cancer services are located in Dover, Portsmouth, and Rochester.

Driving to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, a facility known for its comprehensive cancer care, typically takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The most direct route is via Route 4, a major east-west thoroughfare. This is a relatively straightforward drive, but traffic congestion during peak hours, especially around the Dover traffic circle, can extend the commute.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital, offering advanced cancer treatment options, is about a 25-35 minute drive. The journey involves navigating Route 4 and then either the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) or Route 1. The Turnpike provides a faster, limited-access route, while Route 1 offers a more scenic, but often slower, alternative due to traffic lights and local businesses.

Rochester's Frisbie Memorial Hospital is another option, roughly a 20-25 minute drive. The route utilizes Route 125, a major north-south artery. Traffic conditions on Route 125 can vary, especially during school hours and rush hour, potentially impacting travel times.

For individuals without personal vehicles, public transportation becomes a vital consideration. The COAST (Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation) provides bus service throughout the Seacoast region. However, the availability and frequency of bus routes in Rollinsford are limited. While COAST Route 1, which travels along Route 4, does serve Rollinsford, its schedule may not align with the needs of individuals requiring regular medical appointments. The frequency of this route is typically hourly, and on weekends, service is reduced.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a critical factor. COAST buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant features, including ramps and designated seating. However, the reliance on fixed routes and schedules can still pose challenges for those with mobility limitations or needing frequent medical appointments.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative transportation solution. While these services are available in the Rollinsford area, their reliability and cost can vary. Availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, provide another option. Several companies operate in the Seacoast region, offering specialized transportation for individuals with mobility challenges or other medical needs. These services often require advance booking and may involve specific eligibility requirements. While these services offer a valuable resource, their availability and coverage area should be carefully researched.

The "Breast Cancer Score" must also consider the impact of weather conditions. New England winters can bring snow and ice, significantly impacting road conditions and public transportation schedules. This underscores the importance of having multiple transportation options and contingency plans in place.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Rollinsford, NH (03869) reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to several hospitals offering breast cancer services is a positive factor, the limited public transportation options and potential reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services present challenges. The drive times to these facilities are generally manageable, but traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can impact the efficiency of healthcare access.

Moving to Rollinsford, or any community, requires a thorough assessment of healthcare access. For individuals concerned about breast cancer screening and treatment, a detailed understanding of transportation options is crucial. This "Breast Cancer Score" provides a starting point for evaluating the healthcare landscape in Rollinsford, empowering prospective residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The availability of reliable transportation, coupled with the proximity of quality healthcare facilities, directly impacts the ability to receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and support.