Improved patient transport service on the way

Patients across the borough will soon start to see a more efficient and improved patient transport service (PTS).

Following a review of the service, a more standardised method of booking PTS will be put in place. This will ensure that patients receive the right service and that the same quality of service is available no matter where a patient lives.

Under Department of Health rules, medical need determines who can access transport services. In the past, access to these services has been inconsistent across the North West. This means that some people who have needed a non-emergency ambulance to transport them to their outpatient or clinic appointment have not been able to access it. The application of standardised eligibility criteria sets out to resolve this.

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust (PCT) is one of the first five PCTs to trial the system.

The trial will start this month (October 2010) and if successful, will be expanded across the region from April 2011.

Dr Julie Higgins, Chief Executive at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, said: “We will make sure the new system is implemented fairly and equally across the borough and are working with transport colleagues in the region to ensure an improved and efficient service is provided for all our patients.

The following points will now be considered when booking ambulance transport: 

• That a patient’s medical condition requires the skills or support of PTS staff either during or after the journey
• It would be detrimental to the patient’s condition or recovery if they were to travel by any other means
• A patient’s medical condition impacts upon their mobility to such an extent that they would be unable to access healthcare
• Whether a patient needs be accompanied by an escort or carer (this might include where a child requires transport, where a patient has a physical or mental health need, or where the patient requires a translator.

The new booking system will apply to patients who have never used the PTS before or who have not done so in the last three months.

To discuss the new arrangements contact your local booking centre on 0161 655 1544.