Eligibility

People who may qualify for Patient Transport

• Some wheelchair users
• Patients whose health would deteriorate 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 Dialysis patients
• Patients receiving Radiotherapy or Chemotherapy two or more times a week.

People who are unlikely to qualify for this service

• Can take public transport or a taxi
• Can drive themselves or get a lift to their NHS appointment
• Are registered with a GP outside the Kent and Medway area
• Do not have trouble moving around and getting out and about
• Are going to a routine appointment with their GP or practice nurse

What happens if I am not eligible?

Criteria have been set out by the Integrated Care Boards to determine which patients are able to use the service. Expert call-handlers are trained to accurately assess your eligibility and level of need. They will talk you through the criteria and help you with any questions you might have. Patient Transport Service staff work hard to ensure that only those patients who are eligible and really need this vital service receive it.

If you are not eligible for our service you may be eligible for other different travel and transport services that provide support when attending a hospital appointment.

Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)

Patients on low incomes or in receipt of qualifying benefits may be able to claim reimbursement for travel costs incurred to receive NHS treatment or diagnostic tests under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).

Community Transport

Community transport gives you access to a bus or car service if you can't access public transport. They are locally run and managed transport schemes for specific groups or communities.