Somerset 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    

The Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service for people in Somerset is provided by E-zec Medical.  

For bookings, contact: 01278 727444

Further information can be found on the E-zec website.   

Voluntary community cars     

 South Somerset Community Transport 

A car scheme for local people who have difficulty using, or no access to, public transport. Volunteer drivers use their own cars for trips including medical appointments, hairdressers, dentist and opticians.

Contact: 01935 477399 or info@communitytransport.org.uk

Cat Cars (South Somerset Ring and Ride) 

If you need to travel outside of the South Somerset Ring and Ride bus zones, there are volunteer drivers who can help you. Drivers will assist you to the door if you have mobility difficulties. Mileage costs apply. Based in Wincanton. 

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 12.30pm. 

Contact: 01963 33864 or sscatbus@gmail.com

Hospital Car Transport (Mendip Community Transport)

Transport for individuals to Outpatient Departments at hospitals and other medical appointments. The service is operated by volunteer car drivers and covers the Parishes of Cheddar and Axbridge, as well as parts of Sedgemoor. Mileage costs apply. Registration is free.

Contact: 01749 880613 

Watchet Drives 

watchetcct.co.uk

For residents of the Watchet area, an electric car provides journeys in the local area including medical appointments. 7.00am – 10.00pm, any day. 

Contact: 07599 955096 

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         

Adorno Companions

Offers a paid companionship service in Somerset and neighbouring counties, including trips and appointments. 

Contact 07988 700115 or info@adornocompanions.co.uk