1

NSL CARE SERVICES PROVIDING NONEMERGENCY

PATIENT TRANSPORT WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP

WITH THE NHS FORLINCOLNSHIRE

NSL-CARE SERVICES Lincolnshire2_Layout 1 30/04/2012 12:25 Page 1

Patient Transport Services (PTS) areprovided for those patients whosemedical condition means they cannotget to their appointment in any otherway. PTS is a vital resource for thosewho need it and should not be seen as an alternative to a taxi or as a meansto avoid the inconvenience or cost of parking.

It is the policy of the Trusts listed abovethat the Department of Healtheligibility criteria are applied to allrequests for transport. Systems are inplace to ensure a fair and consistentway of considering requests fortransport and to ensure the reliabilityand efficiency of the service for thosewho are clinically unable to get to orfrom our healthcare without it. NSLstaff are fully trained and responsiblefor ensuring all patient transportbookings are completed andconfirmed only after an eligibilitycriteria is completed for every patientbooking made.

The service provides a range of vehicletypes and levels of care appropriate toindividual patient medical need, toensure the patient travels as safely andas comfortably as possible to theirappointment.

Due to the geographical areaLincolnshire covers we also provide a service for out of area hospitalsincluding those in the East Midlands,Peterborough and North Lincolnshire.Full details of areas covered availableon our websitewww.nslcareservices.co.uk

If I’m not eligible for PTS, what are the alternatives?

If during making a call to booktransport it is found that you are noteligible, NSL staff will have informationavailable to advise what alternativesmight be available and will be able todirect you to information about thevarious public transport options thatare available.

Regular transport bookings can bemade in certain circumstances,however, reassessments for eligibilitywill be made by NSL at pre agreedintervals. The definition of regulartransport is defined as a patient who isundertaking a course of treatment orreceiving regular on-going care, suchas a course of chemotherapy. NSL willmaintain a register of patients who arereceiving regular transport and theireligibility will be assessed at threemonthly intervals to assure continuedeligibility and the most appropriatevehicle is being provided.

NSL CARE SERVICES WORKING IN LINCOLNSHIRE

NSL Care Services provides non-emergency patient transport for NHS Lincolnshire, servicing United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and Lincolnshire Community Health Services.

NSL-CARE SERVICES Lincolnshire2_Layout 1 30/04/2012 12:25 Page 1

Patients NOT eligible are those who fulfilsome or all of the following criteria:

Does the patient claim mobility allowance?

Does the patient have their own transportor a friend/relative that could help out?

Is own/friend/relative transport available ifwe change the appointment time?

Has the patient considered public transport?

How do I book my transport?

Patients can book transport by calling NSLdirectly on

0843 357 1556As a patient, if your GP or healthcare worker asksyou to, you or your representative must call theservice to complete the eligibility criteria andarrange a booking, including your returnjourney home.

Hospital staff can also book transport by usingan e-booking facility provided by the hospital.

Am I eligible for PTS?

All patients are assessed by trained NSL staff on their suitability for PTS using ashort and simple series of questions whenbooking. If NSL staff are in any doubt thereare systems in place for checking eligibilityof patients.

Patient’s eligibility for transport maychange during the pathway of care;therefore welcome patients who wish tocheck eligibility throughout their pathway.

If when a patient is collected it is clear thatthey do not meet the eligibility criteriathen NSL have been asked by the Trusts tomaintain a register of patients and will notaccept any future bookings unless thepatient can provide evidence that theircircumstances have changed.

Eligible patients are those who fulfilsome or all of the following criteria:

Have to travel using a stretcher.

Is the patient in a wheelchair andcannot transfer in and out of a vehiclewithout skilled assistance?

Is the patient attending hospital likely tohave diagnosed severe physical sideeffects following treatment?

Does the patient have a diagnoseddisability that may result in theircondition or behaviour deterioratingduring transport that could put themat risk?

NSL-CARE SERVICES Lincolnshire2_Layout 1 30/04/2012 12:25 Page 2

What happens if I do qualify forpatient transport?

If you qualify for free transport,information such as your name, address,appointment time and journey detailswill be placed on our computer system.The day before your appointment, ourstaff will contact you to:

Check that you are still attendingyour appointment.

Check you still require transport.

Confirm the address where you will be picked up.

Check that the correct type ofvehicle has been ordered for you.

Give you the time when you will be collected.

Can a friend or relative travel with me?

Although we recognise other patientswould like the support of family andfriends with them on their journey andthey are welcome at the hospitalsduring the patient’s treatment, placestaken up in this way means that otherpatients with a medical need cannot be transported.

Relatives are permitted to travel withpatients in the following circumstances:

The patient is under 16 years of age(it is mandatory that an escort isprovided).

The patient has a psychiatric,learning difficulty or dementia andneeds constant supervision duringthe journey.

The patient is blind/hard of hearingand has requested assistance(guide/assistance dogs are acceptedwith prior notice).

The patient resides in aresidential/nursing careestablishment due to their medicalcondition.

The patient needs a carer toaccompany them if care is neededas part of the patient’s treatment.

Normally a maximum of only oneescort will be permitted to travel,who must themselves be fit to travelunassisted.

What happens if my travelarrangements need changing orcancelling?

If you need to change you transportbooking arrangements for any reasonplease inform us as soon as possible toensure that we do not undertake aneedless journey.

It is the hospitals’ policy that a patientwho refuses travel three or more times(with the authority of the Trust) will havetheir travel arrangements reviewed andmaybe cancelled.

Who do I talk to for further advice?

You can talk to your health careprovider for advice on transportoptions, or ring us on

0843 357 1556for advice on eligibility criteria.

NSL-CARE SERVICES Lincolnshire2_Layout 1 30/04/2012 12:25 Page 3