Ambulance transport for patients
Most people make their own way to hospital
appointments by car or public transport, accompanied by a relative
or friend. However, this is not always possible.
Ambulance transport - am I entitled to it?
If you are unable to use public transport and have no other
means of travelling to the hospital, you may be able to use
ambulance transport. This has to be for medical reasons.
How do I book transport?
First visit: Please phone The Christie Transport Department on
0161 446 3512. The staff will be able to advise you about
eligibility for ambulance transport and arrange bookings for you.
Some patients
who live outside the Greater Manchester area may need to book
transport with their GP, but we will advise you about this.
Can I bring somebody with me?
You may bring one other person with you if the hospital thinks
that there is a medical reason for this.
How can I find out if an ambulance has been booked?
The Transport Department will give you a reference number when
you arrange your booking, so there is no need to phone the
department to confirm your booking.
If you have any questions about
transport on the day Phone the Transport Clerk on 0161 446 3512
What do I do if I can't attend?
If you are unable to keep your appointment and you have booked
ambulance transport, it is very important that you cancel your
transport. Telephone the Transport Clerk on 0161 446 3512 as soon
as you can - it's helpful to have at least 24 hours notice. This is
so that we can use the booking for
someone else.
What time do I need to be ready for my journey to the
Christie?
You must be ready to be picked up at least 2 hours before your
appointment time. (If your appointment is at 11.00am, then it is
best to be ready at home from 9.00am.)
What should I do if the ambulance transport is late
arriving?
Don't panic. Contact The Christie
Transport Department and explain what has happened. Remember - if
you take a taxi you may not be reimbursed.
If you need to take medicine, tablets or painkillers regularly,
for instance, if you have to take medication at lunchtime -
remember to bring these with you.
What do I do when my outpatient treatment or test is
finished?
Normally, you should report back to the Transport Clerk in the
Oak Road Foyer. For some patients - Staff will ask you to wait in
the department where you had your test or treatment.
Please do not leave the area unless you tell a member of
hospital staff where you will be. Otherwise you may miss your
transport home. Please note when waiting to return home via
ambulance transport, a 2 to 3 hour wait is likely, and occasionally
longer.
I am an inpatient. What do I do when I am ready to go
home?
Please arrange with a relative or friend to come and collect
you. If you need a stretcher ambulance, the ward staff will arrange
this for you.
I am going home on weekend leave - can I have transport?
We are unable to arrange transport for weekend leave.
Ring and Ride
Ring and Ride is a service provided by the Manchester Transport
Service. The transport staff at The Christie will be happy to help
you register with the service (0161 446 3512).
Help with travel costs
Can I get help with the cost of travelling to and from The
Christie & car parking?
If you make your own way to The Christie, you can get help with
the cost of public transport (bus or train fares) or car mileage
and parking if you are getting:
- Income support
- Employment and Support Allowance (income based)
- Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit and a gross annual
income less than a set level
- Working Tax Credit with a disability element and a gross annual
income less than a set level
- Child Tax Credit only and a gross annual income less than a set
level
- Pension Credit Guarantee (not pension credit saving)
- or if you have an HC2 or HC3 certificate
The hospital cashiers will pay your travelling expenses but you
need to provide evidence that you are in receipt of one of the
above benefits.
To claim for car parking expenses: pay the Pay & Display fee
and take the small tear-off portion to the hospital cashiers with
proof of eligibility. Parking is free for disabled badge holders,
please display this.
Where to go to claim
Please come to the cashier's office on your first visit to the
hospital. The office is on the ground floor, off the main corridor,
just inside the swing doors before the Wilmslow Dining Room.
Opening hours are 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.
DWP regulations unfortunately do not usually allow the refund of
taxi fares.
What else is available to me?
If you are on a low income, or you are making long journeys, but
you are not getting any of these benefits, you may still be able to
get help. Get the claim form HC1 - either from your local DWP
Office or from the Social Work Department at The Christie.
You might be entitled to a grant to cover the cost of travelling
to and from The Christie every day. However, these grants are
means-tested. Please ask at the Social Work Department on 0161 446
3730. Macmillan Cancer Support on 0808 808 00 00 can also advise
about grants.
Transport staff can also advise about transport schemes in your
area tel 0161 446 3512.
Can a relative or friend get help if you need someone to
accompany you to hospital?
They might be able to get help if you can't travel alone because
of your medical condition and you are eligible on income grounds.
If they accompany you on public transport, you can claim on their
behalf. You need to show the Cashier a letter from your GP or
Christie doctor which verifies that you need to be accompanied.
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