Most people travel to and from hospital independently, using private or public transport, or with help from family or friends.
NHS-funded patient transport is only available when it is essential for your safety, mobility, condition management or recovery.
Please note that NEPTS is a very busy service, and journeys can take time to arrange. It is often quicker to travel with the help of friends, family or local voluntary transport services.
What information will I need to book a NEPTS journey?
The patient line is 01245 951205 and open between 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday.
When calling to book a journey, you will need the following information ready:
- Your NHS number (how to find your NHS number)
- GP practice name and postcode
- Title, surname and forename
- Date of birth
- Telephone number (yours or next of kins)
Am I eligible for NEPTS?
You will then be screened for eligibility in line with Integrated Care Board (ICB) guidelines.
You may be eligible for non-emergency patient transport if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- you have a medical need
- you have a cognitive or sensory impairment
- you have a significant mobility impairment
- there is a safeguarding concern
- you have wider mobility or medical needs that have caused your treatment or discharge to be missed or severely delayed.
Find more information on eligibility.
If eligible we will then ask you for:
- Home postcode and address
- Date and time the transport is required
- Mobility including any moving and handling issues
- Your height and weight
- Pick up and drop off locations including postcodes
- Name of person making the booking and relationship to the patient
- Medical issues
- Belongings and equipment: You may bring one bag of personal items, one bag of medicines, and one walking frame. For health and safety reasons, NEPTS cannot transport large items or equipment such as commodes or oxygen cylinders. A wheelchair can only be transported if you are travelling in it.
- Access to your home: Please let us know about access arrangements, such as whether someone will be at home, if there is a key-safe (and its code), or if stretcher or carry chair access is needed for stairs or steps.
- You may be asked questions depending on whether you have travelled with us previously.