Getting patient transport?

someone i know cannot travel in ordinary seats, has to be transported on stretcher, with v difficult and uncomfortable transfers from bed.
despite explaining all the needs and repeat trips, it never goes according to plan.
needs 4 crew lift, they arrive with 2, assess and say will have to call another crew. an extra hour for them to arrive.
they are not ambulance personnel, but a company that usually delivers parcels. and it shows.

each hosp or clinic will have their own criteria.
nothing is automatic, even people with severe disability have to go through a long questionnaire every 3 months to be eligible for hosp transport.

That's the problem if several patients are picked up by the non-emergency ambulance transport service, with appointments at different times.
But I did know people who volunteered to transport patients in their cars, usually one or two at a time, to their appointments.

When I had a course of outpatient treatment and had to go in twice a week I asked about this. The social worker at the hospital said there was a mini coach but as they were collecting/dropping off several people it might take a lot longer than if I simply got a taxi or cadged a lift. In the end I paid for a taxi for convenience. I dont really want a scenic tour of Manchester or to waste an entire day on a 30 minute appointment. I spent over £200 on taxis that summer.

There is limited hospital transport available in Wales, Alie2Oxon but I guess you're in England.
I'm sorry you're struggling and yes, there should be free transport, either by the non- emergency ambulance or volunteer car service, subject to certain criteria being met.
If you are in Oxfordshire here is a link:
livewell.oxfordshire.gov.uk/Search?CategoryId=143&SM=ServiceSearch

Sometimes a taxi is unaffordable, here it could entail a 38 mile round trip and the cost could be prohibitive.

The NHS is to diagnose and treat people, not to provide free transport in my opinion. A taxi will take a person to hospital appointments as will a volunteer transport scheme. Ask around around about that and you’ll probably find there is a scheme in your area.

Your local citizens advice centre would know if there’s a volunteer drivers service and if there is a charge per mile. Usually enough just to cover fuel.

Alie2Oxon, do you know if there is a Volunteer Drivers association in your area? If so, perhaps you could sign up.

Will try after the weekend, I guess. Thanks, both.

Alie it’s certainly not automatic although local criteria may vary. A relative of mine with severe disability who suddenly also became blind, was told by his GP if he was able to get in a taxi ( with significant assistance) that he could not have transport.. Ask your GP - who will know the local eligibility criteria and can request transport if eligible. There is help for people on low incomes to help with the cost of attending hospital appointments. You might also be able to get a blue badge.

You should speak to your GP as they can arrange it or a hospital department can also do it. There is a criteria laid down that they can assess your need.