Improved access to booking Patient Transport Service appointments through a telephone number straight into the Scottish Ambulance Service system
Consistent application of the Patient Needs Assessment, ensuring that patients are getting the correct medical support in getting to their hospital appointment , with the right staff and with the right skills
Clearer Patient Information about the Patient Transport Service which will be through pre appointment information and leaflets at NHS Scotland facilities and the web
A more joined up approach with other transport agencies, helping to get patients to hospital appointments, who do not need the skills of ambulance staff but may need other kinds of support
A Patient Transport Service which is more responsive to patient needs, enabled by the investment of IT inside the vehicles

Patients will be supported by:

up to date information, easily accessible for all patients
carers and clinicians who will still be able to support vulnerable patients to book the Patient Transport Service
a team of Scottish Ambulance Staff, ready to speak to patients and carers
someone to talk to if a patient does not need the ambulance service but does need information about other transport providers who can help get them to their appointment

Feedback

Patients, carers, voluntary organisations, communities and Scottish Ambulance staff have been involved recently in a number of workshops, talking about the potential improvements to the Patient Transport Service. These workshops formed part of the Equality Impact Assessment process but also enabled people to discuss and generate ideas for the project, including access to the Patient Transport Service. Read the draft key findings of the seven workshops.