Help with travel costs NHS supported non- Patients (and sometimes their escort) who are emergency patient transport under the care of a consultant or who have been Northern, Eastern and Western Devon referred by their GP, dentist or optician may be Clinical Commissioning Group Transport may be available to patients who entitled to help with travel, parking and toll have a current physical or mental health costs. If you are eligible, the refund will be for Transport advice for Devon, condition or learning disability such that they the full costs when the cheapest suitable form require the skill or support of Patient Transport of transport is used. Help is available to anyone Plymouth and Torbay patients Services staff to leave their home or on the who receives: journey or where it would be detrimental to Income support the patient’s condition or recovery if they were Income based Job Seekers Allowance Patients are asked to travel as independently as to travel by other means. For details of the full Income related Employment and Support possible to and from health care appointments. criteria go to www.newdevonccg.nhs.uk Allowance This leaflet provides you with information on all How to book Pension Credit Guarantee Credit of the transport options available and advice on Patients can make bookings by phone - if A NHS Tax Credit exemption certificate how to choose the best one for you. possible the patient should make the call, Universal Credit (not all claimants, check on Help may be available with travel costs - see but friends or carers can assist. www.nhs.uk) reverse of leaflet for details. Patients are encouraged to book between On a low income and is named on certificate You should also read any information with your 2 weeks and 48 hours ahead of their HC2 or HC3 - to apply for a certificate, appointment letter or check with your doctor. appointment. complete form HC1 You have the following options: Patients will be asked a set of questions to How to reclaim assess their eligibility each time they book. Eligible patients can reclaim their travel costs Public transport - bus, train If appointments are cancelled or changed on the day of travel where a cash office is or coach make sure travel plans are also changed. available, by showing proof they are eligible and If you wish to appeal against a decision, receipts/tickets, or by post within 3 months of please ask to speak to the service manager. the journey using form HC5(T). You can ask for Using your own car or a lift Patients registered with a GP in Devon or forms HC1 and HC5(T) at hospitals, other clinics from family or friends Plymouth should call: or from the number below. Patient Transport Advice Service To find out more, call the national helpline on Community transport and 0345 155 1009 0300 330 1343, and ask for leaflet “Help with volunteer car schemes Health Costs” or visit www.nhs.uk Residents of Torbay/South Devon should call: 01803 656 777 If you are unhappy with a decision about travel cost refunds, speak to the cashier’s manager to Using a taxi Frequent journeys to NHS treatment appeal or contact PALS. Extra help is provided for patients travelling frequently for NHS treatment – three or more For NHS policy on patient travel and travel costs trips in one week or 10 or more in one month. in Devon visit: www.newdevonccg.nhs.uk or NHS supported non- Staff or patients can make bookings on the www.southdevonandtorbayccg.nhs.uk emergency patient transport numbers above. Making and changing appointments Travelling by car or bus and Community transport and Set times and dates that suit you. Think volunteer car schemes ahead if you are going to a venue for the want to find out about parking first time and allow some extra time to park charges, Park & Ride or local buses? or find the correct department. You can These services are available to people unable to access public transport due to where ask for appointments at times to suit the Barnstaple - North Devon District Hospital, they live or because of physical difficulties. transport options which are available to you EX31 4JB, tel 01271 311 687 Schemes often use volunteer drivers, provide cars and to minimise your costs. Staff will try to www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk accommodate you if possible. or wheelchair-accessible transport and may be Exeter - Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, EX2 5DW able to give some assistance to passengers from tel 01392 402 358 10am-2pm Travel Tips... their house to the car and back. www.rdehospital.nhs.uk Got a bus pass or rail card? You may Plymouth - Derriford Hospital, PL6 8DH Advance booking is always recommended. They be able to choose an appointment time tel 01752 202 082 make a charge based on mileage, payment is when you can use your pass. www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk usually required at the start of the journey and Can travel costs be refunded? receipts are given so eligible patients can reclaim Taunton - Musgrove Park Hospital, TA1 5DA Check costs and reclaim rules at your costs of some journeys. Some schemes also make tel 01823 343 524 www.tsft.nhs.uk destination before you book your a booking charge - this will not be refunded. transport. Torbay - Torbay Hospital, TQ2 7AA tel 01803 656 777 Appointment changed or cancelled? Information on Community Transport and www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk Make sure you also change your travel Volunteer Car Schemes operating in Devon plans. Devon Community Hospitals can be found at: For travel and transport to community hospitals: www.devonservices.org.uk/categories/ Exeter, East & Mid Devon: www.rdehospital.nhs.uk transport/ Public transport - bus, train North Devon: www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk or coach Your can also call the Patient Transport Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon: Advice Service on 0345 155 1009 who www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk can provide information and advice. For bus and train routes, connections and times Torbay & South Devon: contact Traveline call 0871 200 2233 (calls www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk from landlines cost 12p per minute) or visit Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) www.travelinesw.com If you have any comments or concerns, contact: Using a taxi Also visit www.devon.gov.uk/travel for advice PALS -Devon and Plymouth and information on using public transport 0300 123 1672 or 01392 267 665 Some taxi companies have wheelchair-accessible Email: [email protected] If you would like this information in vehicles. One fare covers you and your friends/ Web: www.newdevonccg.nhs.uk another format or language family travelling to support you and it takes you door to door which is often the quickest option. PALS -South Devon & Torbay 01803 652 578 call 0300 123 1672 Ask friends, neighbours and community transport Email: [email protected] for recommendations. Web: www.southdevonandtorbayccg.nhs.uk Printed Sept 2017, review date Sept 2018