Patient transport and help with travel costs

The non-emergency patient transport service provides transport for patients who have a medical reason for not being able to travel by another method.

It is also available for patients travelling frequently for NHS treatment - three or more trips in one week or 10 or more in one month. 

Patient transport has eligibility criteria to ensure that resources are focused on those who need the service most.

How to book

Patients can make bookings by phone (if possible the patient should make the call, but friends or carers can assist):

• Devon and Plymouth: 0345 155 1009
• South Devon, Torbay and Teignbridge: 01803 656 777

Patients are encouraged to book between two-weeks and 48 hours ahead of their appointment.

Patients will be asked a set of questions to assess their eligibility each time they book.

If appointments are cancelled or changed, make sure travel plans are also changed.

To appeal against a decision, speak to the service manager.

Find out about local community transport schemes by visiting the Travel Devon website.

If you are referred to our hospitals for NHS specialist treatment or diagnostic tests by your doctor, dentist or other health professional, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).

You should take your travel receipts, appointment letter or card, and proof that you are receiving one of the qualifying benefits to one of our general offices to claim your travel costs:

You may qualify for help with other health costs such as prescription charges, travel costs, eye tests and dental charges.