This is information about transport for people attending hospital or medical appointments during COVID. Some is specific to people who are classed as extremely vulnerable or who are shielding.  

 

NHS Patient Transport Services 

NHS Patient Transport Services (PTS) are still available with priority currently being given to patients who are classed as extremely vulnerable and who need to attend ongoing care appointments or treatment and cannot safely access alternative transport.  To confirm eligibility and how to access PTS they will need to speak to their GP/specialist or contact PTS at the relevant hospital. 

  

If the person shielding or someone living in their household has a car 

Household members should by now be more familiar with the additional steps to take to protect someone shielding.  Link to shielding guidance provided here. 

• If the driver shares a household with the person shielding they are not required to wear PPE.  This is because those living in the same household tend to be in constant contact with one another as well as with the ‘household environment’ – i.e. touching surfaces, furnishings etc. It would not be practical to expect someone to wear PPE throughout the day and even if they did it is likely that it would get contaminated by this constant contact and would not be effective. 

  

Other transport options for attending hospital may pose a slightly higher risk, and people shielding should be particularly stringent in following the recommendations listed above.  

  

The person shielding is receiving additional support (e.g. with medication etc.) from someone with a car or can access an NHS Volunteer Responder who provides patient transport or decides to take a taxi. 

• If not already registered, those shielding can register for support with patient transport, on the gov.uk website. 
• The person shielding may want to consider sitting on a water resistant sheet (e.g. a bin liner) to minimise contact with the vehicle. 

  

Public transport should not be taken as people shielding are at greatest risk of severe illness from COVID-19. 

If the person shielding has symptoms associated with COVID-19 (a high temperature and/or a new, continuous cough) they should not attend the appointment and should contact the hospital to rearrange. 

  

Email [email protected] if you need  further advice. 

 

Public Health Guidance Note on Patient Transport 

Guidance on transporting people during COVID-19 v2.1