Refused patient transport
I have had 3 appointments so far with pt however on my 4th visit after waiting 3 and half hours to be picked up I got a taxi. They then told me I would be declined any further transport and use taxis. However I had a fall and cannot walk very far I have osteoarthritis in both hips and knee and need hospital transport for many sppointments I cannot easily get into a taxi. Can I ask them to take me to the appointments as I am a pensioner
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Hey there @pollyd and welcome to the community.
I'm sorry to hear they've declined you further transport. Did they give you any reasons as to why they came to that decision?0 -
Hello Pollyd, I'm sorry you've had such problems - it's very frustrating.
Yes, maybe ask why you cannot get pt for each appointment anymore; you can also ask them what the POLICY is (I don't mean to shout at you at all, but I want to indicate that there should be a policy for this form of transport). You could also ask them what you should do for transport if they are not providing it anymore. Good luck.
Best wishes, Elizabeth
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I noticed your post and just wanted to reach out and say I hope your operation last week went smoothly and that you are recovering well. xx
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@MW123 Thank you for thinking of me. The operation went well and I am recovering well (at home) and hope to be up and running as usual in 9 or 10 days time. Thankfully no pain, just a little discomfort, and I am able to go out for a short ride on my mobility scooter, so not climbing the walls with cabin fever! So I guess I am lucky. Anyway, thank you for asking; I do appreciate it.
@pollyd Last night I attempted to make a detailed reply to your post, but somehow my response disappeared off the Scope system, so here is my 2nd try:
PT is intended for people who have no other means of getting to hospital. You took a cab. This would indicate that you do have alternative means to get to hospital (even though I understand it may have been very difficult and frustrating for you). This doesn't mean you won't get pt in future. I answered a question incorrectly and was refused transport. I missed my appointment. I rescheduled and applied for pt. This time I answered correctly and they supplied transport.
A few years ago I asked for transport but was refused by someone who didn't know their job. She said in order to qualify for transport I had to be in the position where I had to be carried out of my flat on a stretcher. I immediately complained to PALS and within just a day or two someone phoned me and whilst not admitting liability did nevertheless apologise and arranged transport for me. Since then, with this particular hospital, I have never since been questioned when requesting pt.
As for waiting times you have to grin and bear it. I have to be ready for the outward trip 2 hours beforehand. If I am in as a day patient I never have to wait long for the return trip home, 30 to 40 minutes. If I am an in-patient it can take hours on end. Last Friday I had to wait 8 hours to be taken home. Some people aren't taken home until the next day. You just have to tolerate it.
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Hello Vikki, thank you so much for putting so much into your response - it gives us all plenty of advice that we can follow, much appreciated, best wishes to you, Elizabeth
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