Do you use NHS patient transport services?

The NHS in our region is working with the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), Healthwatch and other partners to improve NHS patient transport services in the North East.

Patient transport helps people get to and from hospital if they cannot travel safely on their own because of their health or mobility needs.

Feedback indicates the service does not always work well, with people saying:

waits can be long
the guidelines are not always clear
services can be different depending on where you live

The local NHS is looking at ways to improve the service and proposing some changes to who can use the service.

This could include:

Clear and consistent guidelines across the North East
Looking at each person’s needs, not just how far they travel
Asking a few simple questions to understand needs
A standard mileage rate of 25p per mile for people who qualify for the NHS Healthcare Travel Cost Scheme (HTCS) to claim back their travel expenses. It is now between 14p to 25p, depending on where you live.

The review will also look at:

Better support for people who travel often (for example, dialysis patients)
Reducing journeys that are booked but not used

If you use patient transport services, or have done in the last three years, have your say in the survey below and help shape the future of the service. You can also share your views if you care for someone who has used the service in the last three years.

Please leave your feedback by 3 July 2026.