Some people are able to get help travelling to hospital but to do so, you must satisfy one or more of the following criteria.
NHS funded transport is either via (non-emergency) ambulance, hospital taxi or voluntary car transport. The first time you attend hospital this transport needs to be organised by your GP.
For follow-up appointments and routine admissions, we can arrange this transport on your behalf (please contact your consultant’s secretary or booking office).
To be entitled to this type of transport, you must have a medical need or disability, which your GP will need to confirm.
Normally only paid professionals, such as care assistants, will be allowed to escort you on hospital transport. However, family members and friends may travel with you if you fall into one of the following categories:
This means you must meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you are on a low income or you receive benefits such as income support, income-based job seeker’s allowance or child tax credit, you may be entitled to reclaim the cost of travelling to and from hospital, provided you use the cheapest mode of transport available (usually public transport).
To receive help with paying for travel to hospital, you must meet the following three conditions:
To obtain an NHS low income scheme certificate, form HC1 must be completed. These forms are available from your GP surgery or from main reception at both Ashford and St. Peter’s hospitals.
You can also contact the NHS Help with Health Costs Department on 0300 330 1343.
Eligible patients attending either Ashford or St. Peter’s hospitals can receive their reimbursement from Main Reception or the Cashier’s Desk at either hospital.
Reimbursement is on the basis of your bus or train fare (on production of your ticket) or your mileage if you come by car or taxi*. Mileage paid is currently 15p per mile (as advised by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs).
Car parking charges can also be reclaimed when travelling by car when accompanied by a valid receipt / ticket.
Alternatively, you can obtain a form to claim up to 4 separate visits by post.
To claim, please bring with you**.
* Please note that journeys by car or taxi will be reimbursed at a rate of 15p per mile from your home address to hospital by the shortest route possible.
** Please do not be offended when we ask for this evidence, as we are legally obligated to ensure that your claim is legitimate under the NHS Regulations 2003.
Further details of this scheme can be found in leaflet HC12 or via the NHS Choices website.
For any further queries about travelling to Ashford or St. Peter’s Hospitals, please call us on 01932 723553 (Monday to Friday 9-4pm).
The Dial-a-Ride service offers transportation to patients and members of the public who find it difficult to access traditional bus services. You can find about individual services by clicking on the links below.
Area | Telephone | More Information |
East Surrey Dial-a-Ride | 01883 349001 | East Surrey Travel |
Elmbridge Dial-a-Ride | 01372 474944 | Elmbridge Council |
Epsom & Ewell "Route Call" | 01372 732423 | Epsom Council |
Guildford Dial-a-Ride | 01483 458052 | Guildford Council |
Mole Valley Community Transport | 01372 383333 | Mole Valley Council |
Reigate and Banstead Buses 4U | 01372 20 45 40 | Buses4U |
Runnymede Community Transport | 01932 425050 | Runnymede Council |
Spelthorne "Spelride" | 01372 474550 | Spelthorne Council |
Surrey Heath Community Transport | 01276 707658 | Surrey Heath Council |
Woking Community Transport | 01483 724433 | Woking Bustler |
Waverley Hoppa | 01478 681701 | Hoppa |
Please note that in some cases this may be a membership service and a small charge may be required. The above contacts should be able to answer any questions you may have and provide timetables and application forms.
The Local Spelthorne Partnership has put together a guide to accessible transport and concessions available for people travelling around the borough. The full guide can be viewed here along with other useful information around community support.
Who can use it?
The Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) is for patients with a medical need. Your GP or clinician will tell you if you are eligible. This normally means:
You can’t use NEPTS if:
The NW Surrey Clinical Commissioning Group has produced a leaflet with more information that you can download by clicking here
We are proud to transport people who are unable to use public or other transport due to their medical condition, and include those who are:
If you are eligible for and need to arrange patient transport, please contact SCAS (South Central Ambulance Service) on telephone number: 0300 123 9840.
If you have any particular needs, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 01932 723553 between 10am and 3pm Mon-Fri and we will make arrangements to help you.
All clinics are wheelchair friendly and all areas can be accessed via a lift. Wheelchairs are available on arrival - please ask at main reception.
Relevant up-to-date information regarding access to the hospitals can be found here: