If you or a family member need to attend a hospital appointment you may be eligible for the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service or the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme..
If you are not eligible for either of these, please see our bus services to hospitals information below as well as our community transport information.
Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service
Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) is a limited resource made available for free to those with specific medical mobility needs. This provides access for people including those who need to travel by stretcher, wheelchair or have regular visits to renal dialysis. NEPTS is an essential cog in the healthcare system and transports millions of patients each year.
These specialist transport services are limited, so it is important that they are available for the people who need them most. Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and NHS Hospital Trusts use national NHS eligibility rules to decide who can use the local Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS). In some areas, these rules may be adapted to meet local needs.
Since 1 April 2024, EMED has provided this service. EMED Patient Care and all NEPTS providers use the same eligibility rules when people apply for transport. This helps make sure ambulance transport is only used by people who need it, and that limited specialist resources are available for those most in need.
Non-Emergency Patient Transport is available for those who require assistance in getting to their appointments or place of care, because:
- They have a medical need such as requiring oxygen or specialist equipment to travel safely
- They have limited mobility (e.g. needing a wheelchair or stretcher)
- They have a cognitive or sensory impairment
Please visit EMED's website for more information.
Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme
The Healthcare Travel Costs scheme provides financial help to those patients who do not need an ambulance but do require assistance with their travel costs to and from hospital.
Patients on low incomes or receiving qualifying benefits or allowances (such as Income support and Job Seekers Allowance) are reimbursed in part or in full for their travel expenses. For more information, please visit the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HCTS) page on the NHS website.
Bus services to hospitals
Below is a list of hospitals in Surrey that are served by buses. Under each hospital you will find a list of direct bus services....