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Criteria change for non-emergency ambulance patients

1 April 2011

Changes have been made to make sure the local patient transport service (PTS) is used by people who need it most.

Following a review of the service by the North West Ambulance Service, a more standardised method of booking PTS has been put in place across the north west.

This will make sure 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 not needed a non-emergency ambulance have got one, meaning that those who really need the service were not getting the best service. The application of standardised eligibility criteria sets out to resolve this.

Patients will continue to be assessed for patient transport using a short and simple series of questions when booking.

Graham Atkinson, Director of Commissioning at NHS Bolton, said: “Getting to health services can be really difficult for some people.

“These changes will make sure that patient transport is available to people who need it most.”

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.

To book transport, eligible patients should contact the local booking centre on 01204 462888 (option two).

If any member of the public has any concerns about the new arrangements, they should contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 01204 462701.