Learn about what NEPTS is and how you can book one near you!
What is Non-Emergency Patient Transport?
Here at Odessa Ambulance, we understand that not everyone is aware of what Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPTS) is and how it is a cornerstone in healthcare. In essence, NEPTS ensures patients who do not require urgent medical attention, but still need medical assistance, can be safely and comfortably transported from Point A to Point B.
This makes this form of patient transport essential for individuals who have limited mobility, chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes), or disabilities that hinder them from using public transportation or driving themselves. Such service is especially crucial in rural areas like North Wales, where access to medical facilities can be cumbersome for certain individuals.
Importance of Non-Emergency Patient Transport
This form of patient transport is a critical component in the healthcare continuum; it ensures that every individual, regardless of their location, has the opportunity to receive necessary medical care with minimal fuss. This commitment to healthcare equity helps reduce the risk of medical complications due to delayed or missed medical appointments. Additionally, this service helps alleviate the burden on emergency services by providing an alternative route for patients who do not require urgent care.
Who qualifies for Non-Emergency Patient Transport?
It is important to emphasise that the use of NEPTS revolves around medical necessity as opposed to convenience, to ensure that this service remains available to those in genuine need. To safeguard the integrity and purpose of NEPTS, patients have to meet the criteria to qualify. This is to ascertain that this service is not misused as a regular taxi service.
Patients who meet the following criteria will be eligible for transport (not limited to):
Patient receiving regular dialysis or cancer treatment
Patients who require transportation on a stretcher
Inpatients requiring transfer to another hospital (inter-hospital transfer)
Patients requiring monitoring during the journey
Patients who have undergone major surgery and now require medical assistance during their journey.
Immunocompromised individuals who are at risk if they use public transport
Patients who have significantly reduced mobility and are unable to use public transport
How to book patient transport
Typically, patients are expected to organise their own form of transport to and from their appointments. However, when this is not possible, the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust can provide NEPTS service across Wales. Many trusts will require either a GP or hospital doctor to authorise the booking of transport and to provide you with the telephone number you need to arrange it. Individuals who are on low income or receive benefits may be able to reimburse transportation costs through the Healthcare Travel Cost Scheme (subject to eligibility).
That being said, the quality of patient service can vary depending on the individual's location. There have been many instances where patients do not receive a sufficiently timely journey. According to the 'Improving Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services' report by the NHS, approximately 275,000 delayed appointments or treatments occur each year. Another study in London showed that 49% of patients waited over two hours to be taken home after their appointment, and 33% had to wait over three hours.
How Odessa Ambulance can help
Uncertainty during an already stressful experience is an ordeal no one should have to deal with. From checking your eligibility, and booking patient transport with us, to the day of your appointment, allow us to handle all of the stress for you!
Odessa Ambulance is a leading NEPTS provider, based in North Wales, with over 34,000 journeys under our belt so you can be reassured that you are in safe, professional hands. Our services can easily be booked via telephone (office hours: 9am - 5pm; Mon - Fri), email, or our website's online form. This can also be completed by friends or family on behalf of the patient that requires transportation. We aim to reply to any requests and queries within 24 hours, or even sooner!
If you or someone else you know requires patient transportation, please get in touch with us to confirm your eligibility. Our team is ready to help!
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