Clinic transport?

Sarah69

I have an appointment in October to see my consultant at the pain clinic. Is it possible to get the cost of a taxi to the appointment. I would have to get 2 buses to this clinic and with the pain im in thats defineately not gonna happen. I have no one that is able to drive me there and these appointments are very hard to get. Any ideas welcomed. Thanx

shays_mum

Ask your consultant secretary to organise hospital transport for you. Just got of the phone organising mine!
HTH

sunnyone

Sarah69 wrote: »

I have an appointment in October to see my consultant at the pain clinic. Is it possible to get the cost of a taxi to the appointment. I would have to get 2 buses to this clinic and with the pain im in thats defineately not gonna happen. I have no one that is able to drive me there and these appointments are very hard to get. Any ideas welcomed. Thanx

They wont pay for a taxi, hospital transport may apply unless you get HRM because in many areas if you get this you are seen as having already had your transport costs sorted.

Here is your GP that arranges hospital transport, nothing to do with the hospital and be aware that if its agreed to provide you with hospital transport it often takes all day as they like a full load so have you have to wait around while people are seen in all the diffrent departments before the return journey.

Sarah69

Whats HRM? Ive contacted the clinic and they have given me the number for hospital transport, i rung them and they said if i meet the criteria they will provide transport and to ring back begining of October but they wouldnt tell me what the criteria is!

sunnyone

Sarah69 wrote: »

Whats HRM? Ive contacted the clinic and they have given me the number for hospital transport, i rung them and they said if i meet the criteria they will provide transport and to ring back begining of October but they wouldnt tell me what the criteria is!

Higher Rate Mobility of DLA.

I used hospital transport a few times a couple of decades ago as a stretcher patient, in those days you got it if you were unable to travel by public transport (which dont have stretcher bays ) so things will most likely have changed and no doubt have googled it.

Sarah69

Thank you. I applied for DLA in May and am still waiting to hear. They've contacted my GP who has sent her report back last week, so im hoping it wont be long before they contact me.

I hope i get some transport because i really cant miss this appointment, i have been on there cancellation list since May!

FBaby

The criteria in most places is about needing an ambulance/not being able to use public transport including a taxi. If you can get into a taxi, you shouldn't be elligible for NHS patient transport (however, some area are more lax than others).

If the issue is cost and you are on benefits/low income, you can apply for 'help with healthcare costs' at the local Job centre. You will then be reimbursed for your transport, usually at the hospital if it is a normal size one, taxi or bus, although you might have to justify why you chose to take a taxi over the bus (but again, usually, the hospital are quite lax about this).

Sarah69

The issue is with the pain im, in although im on benefits as well i cannot afford a taxi to the appointment. I certainly cannot manage on a bus.

elmer

in our area the Red Cross have volunteers who drive people to hospital for appointments, I believe you just have to cover the mileage costs. Perhaps you could see if they do this where you live?

elmer

Sarah69

Thank you.