PATIENT TRANSPORT TRAVEL DESK
Following discussions last year, Kennet and North Wiltshire and West Wiltshire PCTs, and Swindon PCT are now working in partnership with Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust [1] to provide a Health Transport Travel Desk to arrange the requests for non emergency Patient Transport Services (PTS). This service will provide a Patient Transport Travel Desk situated within the ambulance PTS Control room and have direct access to the ambulance booking system. The service is available for an initial pilot period of 6 months.
HOW DO I BOOK TRANSPORT?
As a result of the above changes, patients are now required to book their own transport, using the following guidelines.
- If it’s your first outpatient appointment at a particular department then please call the patient transport team on 01249 813604 (Great Western Ambulance Service Trust)
- If it is a follow-up appointment, or you are being admitted then contact the relevant department at the hospital / treatment centre.
Please note that at least 48 hours notice is needed to book transport, therefore you should phone as soon as you get your appointment.
The service will be available between 08.00 and 17.00 Monday to Fridays and transport will be provided free of charge when the patient has a medical need.
THE LINK
A service staffed by volunteers and although there is no fare, they do ask for a donation. If you need help to attend an appointment at The Health Centre, the hospital or to collect a prescription, please call Link on 07969 347042 or visit their website for more information www.wiltslink.org.uk [2]
WILTSHIRE HOPPER
For travel to and from the Royal United Hospital, Bath. There is a fare to use this service. Please arrange by telephoning 01985 212 213