The Minster Practice, Lichfield

Hospital transport

Telephone numbers for patient transport

Numbers for patients to ring to arrange hospital transport are:
For Victoria and Sir Robert Peel 01543 414555 & ask for outpatient appointments
For Queens Burton 01283 566333 ext 5128
For Good Hope Hospital 0121 507 5444

Eligibility for non emergency patient transport

Hospitals pay the cost of non emergency transport so there are criteria for the service. Hospital transport will only be provided if you have a medical need that prevents you from using private or public transport and not for any financial reason or the distance involved.

The following are the main criteria:

	Stretcher patients
	Patients being transferred to another hospital
	Patients who require continuous oxygen or other medical gases
	Patients who require continuous intravenous support

When available, consideration will also be given to patients who have no alternative means of private or public transport and who satisfy any of the following criteria:

	Patients in wheelchairs
	Patients with psychiatric or learning difficulties who are unable to use public transport
	Patients with a medical condition that would compromise their dignity or would cause public concern if public transport were used
	Patients who cannot walk without the continual support of another person or walking aid
	Patients who experience side effects from treatment

Escorts

Transport staff escort the patient to and from hospital. Relatives and friends will not be able to accompany the patient unless they satisfy one of the following criteria:

	The patient is under 16 years of age
	The patient is mentally confused and needs constant supervision during the journey
	The patient is blind or hard of hearing and has requested assistance
	The patient resides in a Residential Care establishment due to their medical condition

Only one escort will be allowed and that person must be fit to travel without assistance.

Help with travel costs to hospital for NHS treatment

See NHS Charges - help with costs