Refused patient transport

pollyd

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

Albus_Alumni

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?

Elizabeth100

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

Steve_in_The_City

Steve_in_The_City

@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.

Elizabeth100

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