What is Patient Transport? Understanding Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services: An Introduction to Patient Transport Services
A patient transport service is a vital component of healthcare, ensuring individuals who require medical assistance during travel can access it with ease and comfort. These services primarily cater to individuals who need transport to and from medical appointments, including hospital visits, medical tests, or rehabilitation sessions. Non-emergency patient transport (NEPT) ensures that patients who are not in urgent need of immediate medical attention can still travel safely and comfortably to their destinations.
This service is typically available in both public and private healthcare settings, offering patients a range of options depending on their needs and circumstances.
How to Book NHS Patient Transport
Booking NHS patient transport generally involves contacting your local hospital or healthcare provider directly. Here’s how to do it:
Contact the Hospital: If you need to book transport for an appointment, you can either call the hospital's patient transport service directly or use the hospital’s online booking portal, if available.
Booking Number: Many hospitals and NHS services provide a dedicated booking number for patients to call and arrange transport. Ensure you have all the necessary details, such as your appointment time, medical condition, and personal information when making the call.
Eligibility Criteria: NHS patient transport services are typically reserved for patients who meet specific eligibility criteria, including those with medical conditions that prevent them from travelling by private means. The eligibility criteria may vary, so it’s essential to check with your local hospital or NHS service beforehand.
What MET Medical Provides: Private and NHS Transport Services
At MET Medical, we offer both NHS and private patient transport services to ensure patients receive the care they need. However, it's important to note that while we provide transport services to both NHS and private patients, we do not process NHS patient bookings. This means we cannot accept NHS patient bookings through NHS systems or portals. We are only able to offer private patient transport services directly, either through booking with us directly or via our private transport options.
We are based in a limited region, primarily covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Essex, London, Buckinghamshire, and surrounding areas. For patients in these regions who require non-emergency medical transport, MET Medical offers an excellent alternative to NHS services.
Non-Emergency Patient Transport: What Does It Include?
Non-emergency patient transport refers to the transport of patients who do not require immediate or emergency medical care during their journey. This can include:
Routine hospital visits: Regular check-ups, medical tests, outpatient procedures, or physiotherapy appointments.
Transfers between hospitals or care facilities: When patients need to move from one healthcare facility to another for treatment.
Discharge transport: When patients are ready to be discharged from hospital and need transport back home or to a care facility.
Ambulatory patient transport: Transport for patients who can walk, but may require some assistance due to their medical condition.
While these journeys may not involve critical care, patient safety and comfort are still paramount. Non-emergency patient transport ensures that patients can travel without the stress or discomfort of public transport or private vehicles that are not equipped for medical needs.
The Importance of Accessing the Right Patient Transport Service
Choosing the right transport service is essential for patients who need medical assistance during their travels. Whether you are booking through the NHS or seeking private transport, understanding the difference between emergency and non-emergency services is crucial for ensuring the best care.
If you require private transport, MET Medical offers a range of options to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. Please note, we only accept private bookings directly and cannot process NHS bookings.
For private patient transport services in our region, please contact us directly for further information and to book your transport service.