Non-emergency patient transport in North Lincolnshire

January 2022, (temporary) update:

From Wednesday 12 January 2022, transport to most planned care appointments is temporarily suspended.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) are not cancelling any hospital appointments, however transport cannot be provided by YAS to most outpatient appointments and clinics. This is because their patient transport service (PTS) resources are being diverted to support their A&E ambulance service, which is facing significant pressure due to the impact of COVID-19 and staff absences.

Journeys will continue for patients who cannot travel by other means and;

  • need essential life-saving treatment (such as renal dialysis or cancer treatment); or
  • are travelling to receive treatment for COVID-19; or
  • are being discharged from or admitted to hospital; or
  • are transferring between hospital sites.

If you are travelling for any other reason and are unable to arrange an alternative method of transport, contact the department responsible for your appointment to discuss further options.

Please be assured that this suspension in services is temporary and the position is being regularly reviewed to reinstate services as soon as possible.

Advice for those travelling with PTS:

Before contacting YAS to arrange a journey, please consider:

  • Could a friend or family member drive you?
  • Could you get a taxi, use public transport or contact a local volunteer travel scheme?
  • Are you able to drive yourself?
  • Are you aware of the Healthcare Travel Costs scheme?

Wearing a face mask for the duration of your journey will allow YAS to plan your transport quickly and easily. If you are unable to wear a face mask you will need to travel in one of the larger vehicles; they have less of these available and so that may mean a longer wait for a seat to become available.

 

General Information: 

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust provides NHS-funded transport for eligible people who are unable to travel by other means due to their medical condition, and who need to attend hospital outpatient clinics and community-based care, are being discharged from hospital or need regular treatment such as chemotherapy or renal dialysis.

For more information, visit Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s website by clicking here.

To make new booking, amend an existing booking, or cancel a booking, contact Yorkshire Ambulance Service on 0300 330 2000 between 08:00 and 18:00.

Please only book a journey that is necessary, if you are able to travel with a friend or family member, or can make use of public transport, please do so.

You may be eligible for Patient Transport Service (PTS) if you have a medical condition which could stop you getting to your appointment by any other means.

NHS-funded transport may be provided:

 

  • to and from hospital outpatient clinics
  • to and from community-based care
  • for admission to, or discharge from, hospital wards
  • for regular lifesaving treatments such as renal dialysis or chemotherapy.

When you request transport, you will be asked a series of questions that will be used to establish whether you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Department of Health and Social Care (available here)

The questions will also help to assess the level of support that you will need to get you to your destination safely and comfortably.

These questions will be asked every time you book transport. This is to ensure that there is an up-to-date understanding of your circumstances, including your condition and your mobility.

If you are not eligible for NHS-funded transport provided by Yorkshire Ambulance Service, there are alternative transport options available to ensure that you can attend your hospital appointments. Ask call handler for advice or visit Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s website by clicking here.

Journeys may be booked directly by patients or by someone involved in the patient’s care, such as carer, relative or healthcare representative – contact Yorkshire Ambulance Service on 0300 330 2000 between 08:00 and 18:00.