Patient transport

Ambulance transport

If you are having trouble getting to your appointment you may be entitled to use the hospital transport service provided by South Central Ambulance Service. They provide transport for some people who are unable to use public transport due to their medical condition.

To find out if you may be eligible for the patient transport service, please call 0300 100 0015.

If you are eligible for patient transport, you can make a booking by calling 0300 123 9841.

If you are not eligible, there are also a number of subsidised community car and minibus schemes available that can give you a lift. A number of these make a small charge for their service so please ask when you book.

Local community transport providers

Community Transport Sussex

CT Sussex is a community partnership that provides you with door-to-door independence, if you have restricted mobility, through their volunteer car scheme, charged at 50p per mile.

Visit the CT Sussex websites, Community Transport in East Sussex and Community Transport in East Sussex or email [email protected] to find out what is available near where you live. Please contact the team as soon as you have your appointment letter.

Other transport providers

Other providers include:

Sammy Community Transport 01243 827821
Arun Coordinated Community Transport 01903 723584
Guild Care Worthing 01903 528600
Billingshurst Community Transport 01403 787696
Crawley Community Transport 01293 523764

For a full list of community transport options see the Community Transport Association website.

Help with travel costs

If you’re on a low income or benefits you may be entitled to reclaim your travel costs to and from hospital. You’ll need to provide proof that you are receiving one of the following:

Income Support
Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
Income Based Employment & Support Allowance
Working Tax Credit (only if income is less than £15050.00)
Disabled Persons Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit (only if income is less than £15050.00)
Guaranteed Pension Credit
HC2 – Full Help Certificate
HC3 – Partial Help Certificate

Where children under the age of 16 are travelling for treatment, escort costs may be paid for one parent or one guardian attending the appointment with the child. The parent or guardian must bring relevant benefit proof. Children over the age of 16 but under 20 can claim using the parent or guardian’s benefit proof but no escort will be paid.

You’ll also need proof of travel if you have come by public transport and the certificate of attendance claim form, which must be completed by the department you have attended.

Car travel mileage rate is paid at 14p per mile for a round trip and no fuel receipts are necessary.

If you are not on any of the benefits listed you may be able to claim help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Please contact the Cashiers Office for a HC1 Low Income Claim Form.

We unfortunately do not refund taxi fares unless your travel is impossible by any other means and the certificate of attendance is authorised by a consultant or medic.