Lancashire other schemes

Patient Transport Services    

The Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) is for patients who:    

• Need to travel to and from an appointment at a hospital or clinic    
• Are discharged from hospital (and meet the eligibility criteria), or    
• Need to transfer between centres, and because of their medical condition cannot make their own way.    

Meeting the eligibility criteria for transport    

The criteria that determine whether or not you are eligible for NEPTS have been set by the Department of Health and are based upon whether your medical condition prevents you from travelling by any other means.

All operators of patient transport are now required to apply these rules, so whilst you may have previously been able to use patient transport this may no longer be the case if you are not deemed eligible. 

Making a booking   

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) operate the non-emergency patient transport contract within Lancashire.  

Patients living in the Lancashire area can contact NWAS on 01772 904 919.

Further information regarding booking can be found on the NWAS website.  

Voluntary community cars    

  Managed by a mixture of volunteers and charities, community cars can help people to stay independent, participate in their communities and access vital public services and employment. They can help you go shopping, get to medical appointments, visit friends and family or enjoy a day out.    

  Most need to be booked in advance and may have eligibility criteria you need to meet.      

Practical things to think about and questions to ask when looking for a community transport provider include:  

• What type of journey are you making? Some schemes are specific and can only help in certain situations, for example, medical appointments.    
• Are you eligible to use the scheme?    
• Does the scheme cover your area? There are many good neighbour volunteer schemes in rural parts of the country which are for people who live in those villages.    
• How much notice is required to book a trip?     
• Is there a cost involved?    
• How to book?    
• Does it meet any accessibility requirements you have? For example, wheelchairs and scooters or getting in and out of the car.     

Community Cars – Preston

www.prestonct.org.uk

A community car service operated by Preston Community Transport. Volunteer drivers use their own cars for trips to the doctor, dentist, clinics, social visits and shopping. Mileage costs and advanced booking apply. Trips can be up to 20 miles from pick-up.

Contact: 01772 516208  

Community Cars – West Lancashire

www.wldar.org.uk

Operated by West Lancashire Dial-a-Ride, volunteer drivers use their own cars for trips, particularly in rural areas. Can be used for shopping and appointments, and wheelchair transport can be accommodated.

Contact: 01704 893373

Community Cars – Central Lancashire

www.centrallancashiredialaride.co.uk

Operated by Central Lancashire Dial-a-Ride. Volunteer drivers use their own cars for trips to the doctor, dentist, clinics, and for social visits and shopping. Mileage costs and advanced booking apply.

Contact: 01257 260488 

Community Cars – Ribble Valley

www.littlegreenbus.org.uk

Operated by the Little Green Bus Company. Volunteer drivers use their own cars for trips to the doctor, dentist, clinics, and for social visits and shopping. Mileage costs and advanced booking apply.

Contact: 01200 444484

Communicars – Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale

bprcvs.co.uk

Operated by Burnley, Pendle & Rossendale Council for Voluntary Service. 

Volunteer drivers use their own cars to provide trips for elderly, disabled and infirm people who are unable to access public transport. Trips include doctor and dentist appointments, social visits, shopping and clinics. You will need to register and book in advance.

Contact: 01282 412096 

For further information, visit the Lancashire Community Transport website.

Companion driving services   

Paid companion driver services should be registered with the local authority in the same way as regular taxis.    

Helping Hands   

Helping Hands focus on tasks such as running errands, grocery shopping and support with social activities.   

Contact: 0333 060 4041   

Driving Miss Daisy  

Driving Miss Daisy is a national organisation who have franchises across the region.    

Contact: 0333 014 6211