New way to book non-emergency patient transport
News from our partners Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group
Saturday 1 November 2014 saw a new telephone number become available to book non-emergency patient transport for eligible patients in Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin.
The number can be used by clinics, hospitals, and eligible patients themselves.
As well as a new telephone booking number – 01743 762650 – people can also expect to see the new-look non-emergency ambulances appearing on our roads within the next few months.
These ambulances will take eligible patients attending appointments at the main hospitals and other NHS healthcare providers across Shropshire, Telford and surrounding areas. The service will also use a range of other vehicles, as well as ambulances.
The non-emergency transport service currently involves around 140,000 patient journeys per year. Transport and staff will be provided to match the needs of individual patients – ranging from those who are fully mobile and do not need support, to those that need intensive help and support to get to their healthcare provider.
Dr Julie Davies, Director of Strategy and Service Redesign at Shropshire CCG, said:
“Medical Services are a long-established provider of non-emergency patient transport services nationally, and have an excellent record.
“Patients should notice very little difference in the service they receive, apart from a slight change to the livery of the ambulances.”
As well as the main hospitals in the area, the service will also transport patients to and from appointments at community locations including primary care centres, community clinics, GP practices, dental practices, optometrist practices, private and independent providers, as well as nursing and residential homes.
Kevin Shire, Managing Director for Medical Services, said:
“We are looking forward to working in partnership with the CCGs to provide patients with a high quality non-emergency patient transport service.
“We pride ourselves on putting patients first by delivering an outstanding service with the highest standards of care, cleanliness, safety and training.”
The non-emergency patient transport service has absolutely no impact on 999 emergency ambulances, which will continue to be run by West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
