Patient transport services
If you cannot use regular transport for medical reasons, patient transport services are available to eligible patients.
The patient transport service (PTS) provides planned, non-emergency transport for eligible Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire patients to and from NHS hospitals and clinics, including outpatient departments, inter-hospital transfers, renal dialysis, oncology centres and your home.
It is only available for eligible patients for medical reasons. It is not available for trips to primary care services such as GP practices and is not part of the emergency ambulance service.
Patient transport vehicles are staffed by Ambulance Care Assistants (ACAs) who ensure your medical needs are met throughout the journey and during transfer.
Who can use patient transport services?
You are eligible for the patient transport service if:
- your medical condition means you cannot use other transport without damaging your health
- your mobility means you are unable to access healthcare by any other means
- you need the skills or support of trained staff and / or medical equipment during your journey.
We are unable to provide patient transport to individuals for social or economic reasons.
Who decides whether or not I can use patient transport services?
Your GP or healthcare professional will advise you to call the patient booking and enquiry line on 0300 777 6688.
An advisor will take you through the criteria to establish whether you are eligible, and if so, will make your booking.
How do I book patient transport?
You, or a nominated person (carer) on your behalf, should call E-zec Medical on 0300 777 6688. You will need your NHS number when calling. If you don’t know it, you can ask for it from your GP surgery or healthcare professional.
Patients requiring transport for renal appointments should call 0117 966 9198, Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 7pm. The out-of-hours number is 0117 926 4001.
Who provides the service?
The general patient transport service is provided by E-zec Medical Transport Services. V Cars Streamline Black and White Taxis provide patient transport services for most patients undergoing renal dialysis.
E-zec Medical is a family owned private ambulance company set up in 1998 by former NHS personnel. They have been chosen to provide PTS in BNSSG as they work exclusively in the PTS sector, are experienced in providing the full range of PTS services and have successfully completed millions of patient journeys.
You can read more about the company on the E-zec Medical website.
How are pick-ups arranged?
You can arrange a pick-up from home to your appointment by calling the patient booking line on 0300 777 6688 (or 0117 966 9198 for renal appointments – see above).
Hospital staff will make bookings for patients requiring transport home from a stay in hospital.
If you need to cancel or have a query about your transport booking, please call the patient booking line on 0300 777 6688.
Patient transport services leaflet Eligibility Criteria for patient transport services Non-emergency patient transport services eligibility criteriaCommunity transport services
Information about community transport services available in your area can be found using the link below: