Medical appointment travel

How you can get help with travelling to hospital and other healthcare facilities.

Most people attending a medical appointment or using healthcare services are expected to be able to arrange their own transport. This includes arranging journeys with family, friends, neighbours or carers, or by using public transport or private taxi hire.

The information below provides details of alternative transport options, subject to eligibility and availability.

NHS Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS)

This service provides transport to and from hospital for NHS patients who are unable to use public or other transport due to their medical condition.

Certain eligibility criteria must be met to access the service.

St John Ambulance - Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service

A patient transport service for those unable to use public or other transport due to bespoke medical conditions. Charges apply linked to mileage.

Community transport

There are a number of community transport and dial-a-ride schemes in West Sussex able to assist with travel to hospital and medical appointments. Some may have a restricted capability or require advance booking so contact the community transport provider direct to discuss your transport needs.

Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme

If you're referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a doctor, dentist or another primary care health professional, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.

Please note that if you need to use a taxi, you should agree this in advance with the hospital or Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) before you travel.

Find further information on the NHS website.

Age UK - Take Home and Settle Service

A free service which helps vulnerable people get home from hospital safely. Age UK currently run this service from Crawley Hospital, St Richard's Hospital in Chichester, The Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath and East Surrey Hospital.

For further information, visit the Age UK website or call them on 01903 717130.

Further information

 
Last updated:
26 September 2024
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