Patient transport information.

This page provides information on the transport options available as well as advice on how to choose the most appropriate one.

Patients are encouraged to travel as independently as possible to and from healthcare appointments. A number of transport options are available:

Public transport – bus, train or coach
Own car or a lift from family or friends
Community transport and volunteer car schemes
Taxi
NHS supported non-emergency patient transport

Patients should read any information with their appointment letter or check with the hospital or doctor.

Making appointments

If possible, patients should set times and dates that suit them. If visiting a venue for the first time and allow some extra time to park or find the correct department.

Patients can ask for appointments at times to suit the transport options which are available to them and to minimise your costs. Staff will try to accommodate these needs where possible.

Devon hospitals

Contact details for each of Devon’s hospitals are available on our Contact Us pages.

Transport options

Public transport

Details on routes, connections and times are listed below are available on the My Devon website or by calling on 0845 155 1004.

Using taxis

Some taxi companies have wheelchair-accessible vehicles. One fare covers you and your friends/family travelling to support you and it takes you door-to-door, which is often the quickest option. Ask friends, neighbours and community transport for recommendations.

NHS supported patient transport

Transport may be available to patients who have a current physical or mental health condition or learning disability such that they require the skill or support of Patient Transport Services staff to leave their home or on the journey or where it would be detrimental to the patient’s condition or recovery if they were to travel by other means.

How to book

Patients can make bookings by phone (if possible the patient should make the call, but friends or carers can assist):

Devon and Plymouth: 0345 155 1009
South Devon, Torbay and Teignbridge: 01803 656 777

Patients are encouraged to book between two-weeks and 48 hours ahead of their appointment.

Patients will be asked a set of questions to assess their eligibility each time they book.

If appointments are cancelled or changed, make sure travel plans are also changed.

To appeal against a decision, speak to the service manager.

Frequent journeys to NHS treatment

Extra help is provided for patients travelling frequently for NHS treatment: Three or more trips in one week or 10 or more in one month. Staff or patients can make bookings on the numbers above.
Got a bus pass or railcard? Patients may be able to choose an appointment time when you can use their pass.
Can travel costs be refunded? Check costs and reclaim rules at the destination before transport is booked.
Appointment changed or cancelled? Make sure travel plans are also changed.

Community transport

Find out about local community transport schemes by visiting the Travel Devon website.

Help with travel costs

Patients (and sometimes their escort) who are under the care of a consultant or who have been referred by their GP, dentist or optician may be entitled to help with travel, parking and toll costs. If you are eligible, the refund will be for the full costs when the cheapest suitable form of transport is used. Help is available to anyone who receives:
Income support
Income based Job Seekers Allowance
Income related Employment and Support Allowance
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
A NHS Tax Credit exemption certificate
Universal Credit (not all claimants, check on the NHS website)
On a low income and is named on certificate HC2 or HC3 – to apply for a certificate, complete form HC1.

Patients may be eligible if they receive Personal Independence Payments, a small private pension or if they are a student or carer with savings under £16,000. To apply, ask for form HC1 at any hospital, job centre, dentist or opticians.

Refunds of the costs for those eligible can be reclaimed at the time if patients show proof of entitlement and receipts/tickets, or by post up to three months after your journey using form HC5 (T). Forms HC1 and HC5 (T) are available at hospital general offices.

For more information, call 0300 330 1343.

Reasonable expenses for out of area treatment and placements

The following policies provide clear guidelines about how the CCG supports patients and families of children and young people who need financial support to go to healthcare appointments outside of the CCG footprint (out of area).