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Transport and travel allowances

For some, travel to hospital can present difficulties – for example, because of the cost, the length or complexity of the journey, or lack of access to private or public transport.

Help with travel may be available whether it is in the form of travel cost re-imbursements which are primarily income based or in the form of transport provisions for those that have a severe medical or mobility issue.

For further information go to one of the bookmarks below:

Travel cost re-imbursements

If you're referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a doctor, dentist or amother primary care health professional, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).

For information about the sceme, please visit the NHS website or contact the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) on 0300 330 1343.

Transport provisions

Non-emergency patient transport services, known as PTS, are typified by the non-urgent, planned, transportation of patients with a medical need for transport to and from a premises providing NHS healthcare and between NHS healthcare providers. This encompasses a wide range of vehicle types and levels of care consistent with the patient's medical needs.

Eligible patients are those:

  • 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 the patient's 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.
  • Children attending NHS appointments with their parent or guardian
  • Persons who need to attend regular dialysis or cancer treatment

Who supplied non-emergency patient transport services?

The NHS Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service for Norfolk and Waveney is provided by HTG-UK (Health Transportation Group-UK), which started providing this service on 1 October 2024.

Patients and carers in Norfolk can book journeys via the HTG-UK Booking Line on 0345 241 3012 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Cambridgeshire is provided by EMED Group.

What to expect from HTG-UK?

HTG-UK will collect you from your residence - they ask you to be prepared a couple of hours prior to your appointment time; aiming to collect you with enough time to get you to the appointment on time.

Before beginning the journey, staff will ensure you have everything you need, including your keys, and that the door is locked where necessary.

Staff are trained to provide assistance throughout your journey, if you require it, and will escort you to the department.

If you take medication for any condition this should be brought with you; you should also consider bringing a snack and drink just in case you are delayed.

You will be returned to your residence after your appointment and staff will ensure that you are safely inside before leaving you.