Non Emergency Patient Transport

NHS funded Patient Transport Services (PTS) are there to help people get to their hospital appointments when they are too poorly or are physically unable to get there otherwise.

The number to ring to book patient transport in North East Lincolnshire is 0808 164 3030.

Eligibility for the service is based on the medical needs of the patient and is determined by the national criteria that will be applied strictly by Patient Transport Service (PTS) staff in the booking of patient transport in the region. If people try to book transport and do not meet the eligibility criteria, they will be offered advice regarding other options including where relevant, claiming back travel costs through the NHS healthcare travel cost scheme.

Patients are advised to book transport two weeks before their appointment – this reduces the likelihood of the booking needing to be cancelled due to a change in the clinic appointment. Whilst we recognise patients want to be organised, booking any earlier does not mean patients are more likely to be able to secure transport. All patients eligible for transport will receive transport.

Patients are reminded to have their NHS number and GP practice details when calling the TASL call centre.

If people have any concerns or queries, they should contact the following depending on where they live.

North East Lincolnshire patients should contact the patient enquiry line on 0300 3000 500 or send an email to nelccg.askus@nhs.net.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Has eligibility changed?

No, the eligibility remains the same. However, in order for the service to remain affordable the criteria will be applied more strictly than it may have been in the past.

Who is eligible for patient transport?

There are national criteria about who is eligible for patient transport. These are medical criteria and are not about how much money people can afford to pay. People on certain benefits are able to claim back the costs of travelling to medical appointments.

Eligible patients are people:

  • Where the medical condition of the patient is such that they require the skills or support of PTS staff on/after the journey and/or where it would be detrimental to their condition or recovery if they were to travel by other means.
  • Where the patient’s medical condition impacts on their mobility to such an extent that: they would be unable to access healthcare and/or it would be detrimental to the patient’s condition or recovery to travel by other means.
  • Recognised as a parent or guardian where children are being conveyed.

What about carers?

PTS could also be provided to a patient’s escort or carer where their particular skills and/or support are needed e.g. this might be appropriate for those accompanying a person with a physical or mental incapacity, vulnerable adults or to act as a translator. Discretionary provision such as this would need to be agreed in advance, when transport is booked.

Who determines if a patient is eligible?

A patient’s eligibility for PTS will be determined either by a healthcare professional or by non-clinically qualified staff who are both:

  • clinically supervised and/or working within locally agreed protocols or guidelines, and
  • employed by the NHS or working under contract for the NHS

How do I book?

Depending on the medical situation, transport can be booked direct with TASL or through a patient’s healthcare provider (i.e. the hospital). Appointment letters will contain full details of how to arrange transport.

TASL can be contacted via the Freephone number: 0808 164 3030

Please have your NHS No. and GP practice name to hand when calling.

What happens to patients who not eligible?

Patients who are not eligible for NHS funded transport will be directed to alternative local providers.