Response to the Policy for Non-Emergency NHS funded Patient Transport, Isles of Scilly

The document highlights the response made by Healthwatch Isles of Scilly in relation to the Policy for Non-Emergency NHS Funded Patient Transport, with specific regard to the impact on Isles of Scilly patients.

The response raised concerns in the following areas:

• For some appointments in Truro, day return travel may only be possible via Newquay airport, due to the time and duration of the appointment and therefore the question about partial reimbursement for patients was raised.

• Concern was expressed about the implication for seasonal staff in terms of eligibility for travel costs.

• Concerns were raised relating to the referral pathways not always being straightforward and patients finding themselves in a predicament regarding funded travel for treatment and procedures which take place in the primary care setting but not available on the island, the example of a vasectomy was given.

• Clarification was also sought in terms of eligibility and impact for a variety of other patient groups including those that needed frequent hospital visits and those with sensory impairments.

There was no response included within the report at the time of publication.