This service covers transport for patients attending acute appointments at Basildon, Orsett and St. Andrews Hospital and some outreach sites at Brentwood and Thurrock Community Hospitals.

 

All transport requests are now dealt with by the hospital and in the first instance, patients should contact the booking office for new appointments or clinic/department they are due to attend for any follow up appointments. Providing they meet the ‘medical need’ criteria, the appropriate transport will be booked.

 

Patients will be re-assessed for each attendance and are encouraged to ensure at least 24 hours notice is given for transport to be arranged and ensure that they advise the Trust if they are unable to keep an appointment, in order to save a wasted journey.

 

GP referrals for direct access pathology or radiology tests are NOT  included within this service and GPs should book transport via the PCT’s preferred route for community activity.

 

The Trust is unable to provide transport for economic or social reasons and patients should make their own way to/from the hospital where possible.

 

The Trust has appointed a Patient Transport Co-ordinator to assist with general queries who can be contacted during office hours.

 

Contacts

 

Christine Alderson, Patient Transport Co-ordinator                        '0845 155 3111 ext: 3240

New Outpatient Appointments Centre                                         '0845 155 3111 ext: 5088

 

Help with Travelling Expenses

Patients’ who do not have a medical need for NHS transport to hospital and get Income Support or Family Credit or are on low incomes, can receive help with their travelling expenses under the Hospital Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).

Full details of the scheme are available in leaflet (H11) NHS Travel Costs, which is available at hospitals and local offices of the DHSS.