news story

30th September 2009

NHS Transport Shake-Up Leaves Patients Stranded

Northavon MP Steve Webb has condemned sudden changes to arrangements for patient transport in Bristol and South Gloucestershire which has left patients unable to make hospital appointments.

Until recently the Great Western Ambulance Service was providing non-emergency patient transport for a wide range of local residents to get to appointments at local hospitals and clinics. However, following a sudden clampdown, hundreds of patients who previously benefited from the service have been told that they are 'not ill enough' to qualify. Many have turned to local community transport  schemes who have been swamped with inquiries and have been forced to turn some people away.

Steve Webb said:

"For many people across South Gloucestershire it can be very difficult to get to hospital and clinic appointments if they do not have their own car. Public transport is extremely limited and often does not go at the right times to meet appointments. Voluntary groups such as community transport do a great job but have suddenly found themselves swamped with requests for help getting people to appointments.

"It may be that the old rules were not being applied tightly enough, but this sudden change has been very badly handled by the local NHS who don't seem to know what is going on.

"Health chiefs cannot simply pass the buck to community transport schemes in order to save some cash. The NHS should be working in partnership with the bus companies, local councils and community groups to make sure that people can get to their appointments. Sick people have enough to worry about without the added stress of whether or not they can actually get to their appointment".

Next year the NHS will be putting the patient transport service out to tender, and the current review of the service has been carried out in preparation for that change.

Where patients on a low income have to spend money to get to appointments there is a little-known scheme called the "healthcare costs travel scheme" which can reimburse their costs if they are on income support, pension credit or similar benefits. More information can be obtained from South Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust on 0117 330 2468.