Getting to a vital medical appointment isn’t always easy. Public transport may not be possible, or even exist, and there isn’t always someone to offer a lift. Even if someone is a driver, many day-procedures mean the patient mustn’t drive immediately afterwards.
In the UK, there are several services available to transport people to medical and hospital appointments. These services cater to different needs and types of patients, from those with mobility challenges to those requiring non-emergency medical transport.
Here are some of the key options:
Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services (NEPTS)
Who is it for? This service is primarily for people who are medically unfit to travel on public transport but do not need emergency services (ie an ambulance).
Provided by: The NHS or private companies contracted by local NHS trusts.
Eligibility: You generally need to be referred by a healthcare professional (eg GP, consultant, or hospital).
Booking: Usually, a healthcare provider will arrange this transport, or patients can contact the service directly.
Cost: Free of charge for eligible patients, though there may be fees for some services (eg taxi vouchers in certain circumstances).
Who is it for? This service is primarily for people who are medically unfit to travel on public transport but do not need emergency services (ie an ambulance).
Provided by: The NHS or private companies contracted by local NHS trusts.
Eligibility: You generally need to be referred by a healthcare professional (eg GP, consultant, or hospital).
Booking: Usually, a healthcare provider will arrange this transport, or patients can contact the service directly.
Cost: Free of charge for eligible patients, though there may be fees for some services (eg taxi vouchers in certain circumstances).
Hospital Transport Services (Specialist Transport)
Who is it for?: This service is often used by patients who need specialised transport due to medical conditions, such as wheelchair users, or those requiring oxygen during travel.
Provided by: NHS Trusts or private companies contracted to specific hospitals.
Eligibility: Eligibility is determined by medical need, and a healthcare professional may need to confirm the need for specialist transport.
Booking: Usually arranged by a hospital or healthcare provider when a patient needs it.
Cost: Free for eligible patients; may be subject to a charge for non-urgent transport in some areas.
NHS Volunteer Transport Schemes
Who is it for?: Patients who have no other way of getting to medical appointments, especially in rural areas.
Provided by: Local NHS trusts, charities, or volunteer organisations.
Eligibility: Criteria vary by region, but generally available to patients who are elderly, disabled, or have no other means of transport.
Booking: Patients usually need to book in advance through their local NHS trust or volunteer coordinator.
Cost: Typically free, although some services may ask for a small donation.
Taxi services
Who is it for?: Patients who need transport but don’t qualify for NHS patient transport services or volunteer schemes.
Provided by: Local taxi firms or through online platforms.
Eligibility: Available to anyone who can pay for the service or has a taxi voucher.
Booking: Can be booked directly with taxi services, or some NHS trusts provide taxi vouchers for eligible patients.
Cost: Varies by taxi service; some NHS areas may provide free or subsidised taxi vouchers to eligible patients.
Find more information on the NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) here
Community Transport Services
Who is it for?: Patients who have limited access to public transport, particularly in rural or under-served areas.
Provided by: Charities or local authorities (eg the Community Transport Association).
Eligibility: Often available to elderly people, people with disabilities, or those who live in isolated areas with no other transport options.
Booking: Must usually be arranged in advance through the community transport provider.
Cost: Often low-cost or donation-based, though some services are free.
Use the Community Transport Association map to find your local services.
Private Ambulance Services
Who is it for?: Patients who require transport for medical reasons but do not need emergency ambulance care.
Provided by: Private companies specialising in patient transport.
Eligibility: Can be arranged by healthcare providers for patients who need non-emergency medical transport.
Booking: Usually booked through the hospital or healthcare provider, but patients can also self-refer in some cases.
Cost: Charges vary depending on the service, but these services are generally not covered by the NHS and can be expensive.
Dial-a-Ride, Hospital Cars and other local services
Who is it for?: People with mobility issues or disabilities who need door-to-door transport.
Provided by: Local councils or charitable organisations. or local NHS Hospital Trusts.
Eligibility: Availability often depends on age, disability, and local government provisions.
Booking: These services are usually booked in advance and may require a registration process. Hospital cars are arranged through the hospital’s transport department or directly with local charities.
Cost: Free,or low cost although many services are subsidised for eligible passengers.
How to arrange patient transport
- GP or healthcare provider referral. In most cases, transport services need to be arranged through your GP, consultant, or the healthcare provider where you are having your treatment or appointments.
- Booking in Advance: Most services, particularly NHS-funded or volunteer-run transport, require advance booking, often 24-48 hours ahead of time.
- Eligibility Assessment: Eligibility is typically based on medical need, disability, or inability to use public transport.
For exact information, it’s best to contact your local NHS Trust, GP surgery, or hospital transport services to find out what specific options are available in your area.
Find more information here
Providers of Patient Transport
There are charities, businesses and organisations in the UK that provide patient transport services, helping people who may have mobility issues, medical conditions, or financial barriers to access healthcare.
Some of these charities specifically focus on non-emergency patient transport, while others may offer a range of services, including volunteer driving, ambulance transport, and assistance with accessing medical appointments.
Here are some providers. They may not all exist in your area.
Driving Miss Daisy
Services: More than just a wheelchair taxi, the vehicles are wheelchair-accessible and each journey starts in the home, you will feel relaxed and reassured before departing. At medical appointments, they can support, reassure and take notes.
Location: Covering parts of the UK
Website: drivingmissdaisy.co.uk
St John Ambulance
Services: Non-emergency patient transport services (NEPTS) are for people who need to travel to or from hospital or a medical appointment but are unable to travel without specialist support. For example, if you struggle to walk or need extra support during your journey due to a medical condition.
Location: UK-wide
Website: www.sja.org.uk
British Red Cross
Services: After a stay in hospital, the Red Cross Home Care Service can help someone home and settle back in. To use the home care service, usually a referral is needed from a GP or another professional.
Location: Nationwide
Website: redcross.org.uk
Local Ambulance Trust Patient Transport Schemes
Services: Your local NHS Ambulance Trust may have Patient Transport Service (PTS) Scheme. Volunteers provide patients with a friendly face and company as well as safe, comfortable, and reliable transport to their healthcare appointments.
Location: Operates across the UK.
Website: Find your local NHS Ambulance Trust here
Age UK
Services: Age UK works alongside other community organisations to provide door-to-door transport for older people to help them to maintain their independence. Depending on where you live, they may be able to help you with transport.
Website: ageuk.org.uk
Platinum Ambulance Service
Services: A private ambulance provider, Platinum’s daily Private Transport Service operations involve transporting patients to and from hospital appointments for NHS Trusts, assisting them with settling at home after appointments or hospital stays, and facilitating transfers to care homes or hospices.
Location: Covers the south-east of England
Website: platinumabulance.co.uk
