Patient Transport
If you’re going to a hospital for an appointment, tests or treatment, you may be eligible for transport under certain circumstances.
Getting to a hospital or medical appointment
If you’re going to a hospital for an appointment, tests or treatment, you’ll normally be expected to make your own way there. However, you may be eligible for transport under certain circumstances.
My Local Health Services
NHS funded patient transport
You may be eligible for free non-emergency patient transport services. These services provide transport to and from hospital for people who have a medical need for it.
Find out if you are entitled to NHS free hospital transport by phoning the NHS Patient Transport Advice Centre on 01278 727444 between 8.30am and 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. You will need to provide the following details when you call:
- Name and address
- Date of birth
- Telephone or contact number
NHS number* - GP details
- Details of treatment
- The hospital you are attending
- Time, date and expected duration of the appointment
- Department and consultant details
- Type of appointment (i.e. outpatient, day case, discharge).
* Your NHS Number can be found on your appointment letter, via your GP or other health professional who is treating you. Alternatively, you can find your NHS number using the NHS online services.
Refunds of hospital transport costs
You may be able to claim a refund for the cost of your transport to hospital through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) if you:
- are not eligible for PTS
- cannot afford the cost of travelling to hospital
- cannot get a friend or relative to take you.
The page below contains more information on who is eligible, what the conditions are and how you can access the scheme:
Hospital patient transport services
Both of the main Somerset hospitals give information about transport services they provide, please visit their websites by using the buttons below for further information.
Community transport
If you are not entitled to free hospital transport, Somerset County Council lists a range of community transport options.
Community Transport Schemes can offer individual transport and group hire. Some also offer door-to-door services. Community Transport services are provided by a number of independent, non-profit making groups companies and organisations, all with the purpose of helping community members’ access essential services.
