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Patient transport

Who is eligible for transport?

Hospital transport is only provided if you have a medical need that stops you from using private or public transport.

You are entitled to hospital transport if you:

• need to travel lying down
• require continuous oxygen or other medical gases

You will also be considered for hospital transport if you have no alternative means of transport available and you:

• need to travel in a wheelchair
• have a psychiatric or learning difficulty which prevents you from using public transport
• have a medical condition that would compromise your dignity or cause public concern if public transport were used
• cannot walk without the continual support of another person or walking aid, i.e. zimmer frame or similar
• Experience unpleasant side-effects as a result of your medical treatment which prevent you from using public transport

Receipt of "mobility allowance" does not automatically exclude you from receiving hospital transport but this factor will be taken into consideration when you are being assessed.

If you do not meet the requirements and there are no other special circumstances, you will need to make your own arrangements to and from hospital.

How do I apply?

1. If you think you meet the conditions you need to fill in a transport booking form. Please call the hospital Transport Department on the number below and ask them to send you a form, or alternatively see the downloads block at the bottom of the page
   • Transport Department: 0121 627 2098
2. Once you have the transport booking form, please read and fill it in carefully. It asks questions about your health to see if you have a medical need for hospital transport
3. After you have filled in the form, it is important that you send it back to the hospital at least two weeks before your appointment, so that suitable arrangements can be made
4. Using the information on the form, staff in the Transport Department will check whether you meet the necessary conditions for hospital transport
5. A member of the hospital transport staff will then telephone or write to you to let you know whether your application has been accepted

If your family doctor has referred you for an urgent appointment, i.e. within 14 days, and you think you may need hospital transport, you should contact the hospital Transport Department immediately to see if you are eligible.

Tel: 0121 627 2098
Email: TransportBookings@uhb.nhs.uk

Additional information

If you need any help or advice, please contact:

Patient Transport Services: 0121 627 2098 (Monday–Friday, 08:00 –18:00)
Email: TransportBookings@uhb.nhs.uk

A member of staff will answer any questions you or your relative/carer may have.

You will need to fill in a transport booking form every time you require hospital transport, unless you are on a regular course of treatment, i.e. daily or weekly.

If you are refused hospital transport and you do not agree with this decision, you or your relative/carer can appeal by writing to:

Transport Manager
University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Patient Transport Department
Unit 300-301
Kings Norton Business Centre
32-34 Melchett Road
Kings Norton
Birmingham, B30 3HS

Please help us by only asking for hospital transport if you really are in need - thank you.

Please remember

1. If your condition improves or you no longer require transport, please telephone the Transport Department at least 24 hours before your appointment and cancel your transport, as the hospital pays for all unnecessary journeys
2. Please also inform the Transport Department of any change of address
3. Always wear appropriate outdoor clothing when travelling by hospital transport, and be ready for collection at least two hours before your appointment time

Help with travel costs

If you make your own way to hospital and receive:

• Low Income Support Benefit
• Income-Based Job Seeker's Allowance
• Low Income Families' Tax Credit

then you will be able to claim travel costs (except for taxis).

Please ask at the ward/clinic you are attending for details, or visit our travel costs page.