Travel to medical appointments

Introduction

In 2021 NHS England reviewed non-emergency patient transport services. This review found there was a wide variation in the eligibility criteria being used across different parts of the country. To reduce variation, NHS England have created national eligibility criteria to reduce the variation across the country.

Before NHS West Yorkshire ICB starts to use the new criteria, we would like to understand what difference it will make to people living in West Yorkshire. This will help us make sure that the people who need assistance to get to their medical appointments and treatments get the right help, and type of transport.

You do not have to have used the the non-emergency patient transport service to complete this questionnaire. We would like to know how people travel to medical appointments, and if they know about different support that is available to people.

If you would like to take part in a different way, or if you would like the questionnaire in a different format, or language please telephone 01924 317659 or email wyicb.wycommsand.involvement@nhs.net

If you would like to hear about other opportunities to give your views and experiences about things happening across West Yorkshire, join West Yorkshire voice here. Click here for more information about West Yorkshire voice

During this survey we will talk about:

Community Transport

Community transport provides flexible and accessible community-led solutions in response to unmet local transport needs and often represents the only means of transport for many vulnerable and isolated people, often older people or people with disabilities.

Using everything from minibuses to mopeds, typical services include voluntary car schemes, community bus services, school transport, hospital transport, dial a ride, wheels to work and group hire services. Most are demand-responsive, taking people from door to door, but a growing number are scheduled services along fixed routes where conventional bus services aren’t available.

you can find out more about community transport here

Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)

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 (HTCS).

you can find out more about the scheme here