Service update 29 August 2024: Non-emergency patient transport services continue to be provided in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire and you can check eligibility and book transport as normal using the details on this page. As ever please consider if you could make your journey with the support of friends or family as this helps maintain capacity for those with the greatest need for the service.

Patient transport services

If you cannot use regular transport for medical reasons, patient transport services are available to eligible patients.

The patient transport service (PTS) provides planned, non-emergency transport for eligible Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire patients to and from NHS hospitals and clinics, including outpatient departments, inter-hospital transfers, renal dialysis, oncology centres and your home.

It is only available for eligible patients for medical reasons. It is not available for trips to primary care services such as GP practices and is not part of the emergency ambulance service.

Patient transport vehicles are staffed by Ambulance Care Assistants (ACAs) who ensure your medical needs are met throughout the journey and during transfer.

Who can use patient transport services?

You are eligible for the patient transport service if:

  • your medical condition means you cannot use other transport without damaging your health
  • your mobility means you are unable to access healthcare by any other means
  • you need the skills or support of trained staff and / or medical equipment during your journey.

We are unable to provide patient transport to individuals for social or economic reasons.

Who decides whether or not I can use patient transport services?

Your GP or healthcare professional will advise you to call the patient booking and enquiry line on 0300 777 6688.

An advisor will take you through the criteria to establish whether you are eligible, and if so, will make your booking.

How do I book patient transport?

You, or a nominated person (carer) on your behalf, should call the Patient Transport Hub on 0300 777 6688. You will need your NHS number when calling. If you don’t know it, you can ask for it from your GP surgery or healthcare professional.

Veezu Taxis provides patient transport services for most patients undergoing renal dialysis. Patients requiring transport for in-centre haemodialysis appointments should call 0117 966 9198, Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 7pm. The out-of-hours number is 0117 926 4001.

How are pick-ups arranged?

You can arrange a pick-up from home to your appointment by calling the patient booking line on 0300 777 6688 or 0117 966 9198 for renal appointments.

Hospital staff will make bookings for patients requiring transport home from a stay in hospital.

If you need to cancel or have a query about your transport booking, please call the patient booking line on 0300 777 6688.

Eligibility Criteria for patient transport services Non-emergency patient transport services eligibility criteria

Community transport services

Information about community transport services available in your area can be found using the link below:

 

Getting the best from an appointment

Getting the best from an appointment

Hospital appointments

Hospital appointments