Most people who have a hospital appointment make their own way there, but for some this is not possible. In some cases, people may be able to use the NHS Patient Transport Service to get to and from hospital.
The NHS Patient Transport Service provides a vital lifeline for patients whose health conditions might affect their ability to travel without specialist care. You may be eligible to use the NHS Patient Transport Service if:
- You have a medical condition, which means you cannot use other forms of transport such as bus, train or taxi without further damaging your health.
- Your personal mobility is limited and you would be unable to access healthcare by any other means.
- You may need the skills or support of trained Patient Transport Service staff during your journey to and from your appointment.
Examples of patients who need the NHS Patient Transport Service include:
- Patients requiring travel by stretcher
- Some wheelchair users
- Patients whose health would be damaged if they used any other form of transport
- Certain patients being transferred between hospitals
- Patients who require an oxygen supply to be administered during the journey
- Patients who need to be clinically monitored during their journey
- All Renal Dialysis patients
- All Oncology patients
Criteria have been set out to determine which patients are able to use the service. Expert call-handlers who are trained to accurately assess your eligibility and level of need will talk you through the criteria and help you with any questions you might have. NHS Patient Transport Service staff work hard to make sure that only those patients who are eligible and really need this vital service are given a referral.
Firstly, you are asked register for the NHS Patient Transport Service by calling the number below. When you call, a member of the team will discuss your transport needs in light of your medical condition to ensure the service is right for you.
Once registered, you or your carer will be able to make future bookings. In certain circumstances, staff in your GP practice or at the hospital clinic will be able to make the booking on your behalf, but only once you are registered. If you are an oncology / cancer or renal dialysis patient, you will be assessed for use of the service at various stages throughout your treatment.
In order to register, make a booking or amend a booking the number you will need to call is:
0345 425 0050 (local call rate)
The booking line is open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
When making your booking you will be asked to provide the following information:
- Name
- GP name and paddress
- Date of birth
- NHS number
- Details of your mobility needs in respect of your medical condition
- Collection and destination address - postcodes are essential
- Your phone numbers; including your mobile phone.
Once your booking is complete, you will be asked if you would like to opt in to the service mobile phone text reminder service, which will provide you with booking confirmation, journey reminders and “we are on the way” text messages.