* extract from Angus Council booklet
"A Guide to Community and Public Transport in Angus"
The Scottish Ambulance Service provides transport for non emergency health service patients, for example to and from hospital outpatient appointments.
Transport arranged by the ambulance service is only provided in cases of medical need.
Medical need for transport must be determined by a doctor, dentist or midwife, who judges:
- The medical condition of the individual patient;
- The availability of private or public transport; and
- The distance to be travelled
A clinical need for treatment does not imply a medical need for transport. The over-riding principle is that patients should be able to reach hospital in a reasonable time and in reasonable comfort without detriment to their medical condition.
Non emergency ambulance is free of charge and can be provided in a number of ways; through the Patient Transport Service in an ambulance, by a volunteer driving their own car as an ambulance car, or by contracted taxis.
If a patient has difficulties these should be discussed in the first instance with their GP or practice manager/secretary. Alternatively the Voluntary Services Organisers at hospitals will be able to provide advice on transport.
Financial help for hospital transport costs is available for patients undergoing NHS treatment. Eligibility is related to a range of income levels or medical conditions. Full details are available in leaflet HC11 HELP WITH HEALTH COSTS which should be available at benefit offices, surgeries, hospitals and online at www.dh.gov.uk. Certain benevolent funds and trusts may also be able to assist if the patient meets their criteria.
This information was sourced from Angus Council booklet “A guide to Community and Public Transport in Angus”