Travel and getting to hospital

How will I get to a different hospital?

We know that travel can be difficult for people, please speak to your midwife about the best options for your travel to a different hospital and what else you are having to consider such as childcare, access to transport and worries about needing to get quickly to hospital.

Community transport can help when public transport is limited, journeys are difficult, or extra support is needed to reach health appointments. Options vary locally and often need booking in advance, so check early. Use the Devon County Council community transport pages to find current local options and contact details.

The Devon Access Wallet scheme helps make bus and train journeys easier for people who may need extra communication support. It can help people with communication difficulties, disabled people, deaf people, and people whose first language is not English. Go to the website or call 01392 382123.

Where is Exeter Maternity unit and where should I park?

You can find out information on getting to and parking at the Centre for Women's Health on our website. Devon Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership posted this video tour of the centre on their Facebook page that you may find useful.

Where can I find information about roadworks to plan my journey?

Interactive maps that detail current and planned roadworks in and around Devon are available on the Devon County Council website.

Is there any support available to help with transport and travel cost?

If you are on one of the qualifying benefits, then you may be able to claim a refund towards reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).

The qualifying benefits are:

• Income Support

• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance

• Income-related Employment Support Allowance

• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

• Universal Credit

• HC2 certificate

You can receive partial help if you have a HC3 certificate

Please take your travel receipts, appointment letter or card, and proof that you are receiving one of the qualifying benefits (either by award letter or if on Universal Credit log in to that account and show your award) to one of our general offices to claim your travel costs.

Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) general office is in the main hospital entrance. Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9.30am-1pm and 1.30pm-4pm (closed Wednesdays and weekends) .

North Devon District Hospital general office is on level 2. Come into the main entrance of the hospital and take the first right. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am-1pm and 1.30pm-4pm (closed weekends).

When our general offices are closed, you can still pick up a postal claim form to claim your travel costs. These are available outside our general offices.

Please note: We refund 15p per mile for travel by car. If using bus/train/voluntary transport, we must see the ticket or receipt.  Car park fees can also be claimed back if the patient has parked in the hospital car park. We can sometimes refund the cost of taxis if the patient has a medical need or they live in a rural area where public transport is not available.  We may ask for medical proof for the need of the taxi.

For help or more information please call Barnstaple General Office: 01271 314049 / 01271 349591

Get more information about the support available by watching our video on financial and transport resources for families in need.