Do you need help travelling to NHS services? Find out about transport options.
Most people drive, use public transport, or rely on the kindness of family and friends to get to the doctor, pharmacist, or hospital on time. But, if you don’t have good access to transport, it can mean that you’re late or end up missing your appointment. It can be even harder if you need to attend regular appointments at a hospital for long-term conditions.
Here, we provide some information about the support available to help make this easier for you.
What support is available?
If you need help getting to appointments, find out whether you’re eligible for NHS-funded support.
If you can’t travel because of your medical condition
WMAS (West Midlands Ambulance service) provides Patient Transport Services covering Coventry & Warwickshire. This includes patients registered with GPs in Coventry & Rugby, South Warwickshire and Warwickshire North, and who are eligible for transport, through the region. They do not take patients to private appointments, nor to routine GP appointments. They provide free transport to and from hospital for:
- People whose condition means they need additional medical support during their journey
- People who find it difficult to walk
- Parents or carers of children who are being transported
If you’re travelling on public transport
If you do not receive benefits, but you are having to make frequent trips by public transport, there may be weekly or monthly season tickets that can reduce costs, or options such as booking tickets online, which may work out cheaper than the full cost of one ticket.
For students, people with disabilities and those over 60 there are often options for reduced or free travel passes.
- National Rail offers a range of discounts and concessions for children, people over 60, and people with disabilities.
- Warwickshire County Council have details on how to apply for bus travel passes. These can sometimes include a companion traveller, depending on disability and mental capacity for independent travel. Free bus travel for older people and people with disabilities – Warwickshire County Council
If you’re visiting hospital regularly
If you’re visiting hospital regularly, there may be discounted costs on parking.
Could you get a refund for your hospital transport costs?
If you’re not eligible for Patient Transport Services, you could claim a refund for the cost of your travel or taking a child to hospital through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.
You may be able to benefit from the service if:
- You can’t afford the cost of travelling to hospital
- You can’t get a friend or relative to take you
This page explains who's eligible for the scheme and how to make a claim:
Local voluntary organisations
Depending on your situation, and where you live, you can also find voluntary organisations that can help you get to appointments.
Royal Voluntary Service for people with health conditions or restricted mobility.
Age UK run door-to-door transport services for older people.
Warwickshire County Council list local voluntary car schemes that are available to people of all ages, who have a need to get to a healthcare appointment and for various reasons may struggle to do so independently.
Need help finding support in your area?
To see what help is available where you live, get in touch with us to point you in the right direction.
