Non-emergency patient transport

You may be eligible for the Healthcare Travel Cost scheme or be able to access our non-emergency patient transport service.

If you’re referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a doctor, dentist or another primary care health professional, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme. 

Visit the NHS website for more information.

Non-emergency patient transport services (NEPTS) support people requiring specialist transport to attend outpatient appointments, receive treatment and support with admission and discharge across the new Thames Valley Integrated Care Board area, provided by the EMED Group and covers:

• Buckinghamshire
• Oxfordshire
• Berkshire West (Reading, West Berkshire, Wokingham)
• Berkshire East (which includes Bracknell Forest, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Slough)

Eligibility

The expectation remains that patients will make their own transport arrangements where they can and that this service is only for those whose medical need prevents them from using private or public transport.

Non-emergency patient transport is available if:

• Your medical condition means that you cannot use other forms of transport without it being detrimental to your health
• Your mobility means that you would be unable to access your appointment by other means
• You need the skills or support of patient transport staff before/on/after the journey.

Patients who wish to be considered for the service are required to be assessed against the national eligibility criteria by the patient transport provider before a booking can be made.

How to book

You, your family members or carers can book, cancel or change your non-emergency patient transport (NEPTS) if necessary. 

Visit the EMED website for information on how to book non-emergency patient transport.