Community Transport - charges
I enquired from my local council - how much they would charge me to help me to get to my GP in a neighbouring town (6 miles away) - should my wife ever be incapacitated.
Taxis are out because I could not get back afterwards.
The answer - YES Β£75 return
I said - NO THANKS
Comments
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Wow, that's expensive @Wibbles! What kind of transport would they provide for this? Is it a private taxi or a bus or something else? Seems like a lot!
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It's a whopping great big bus
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And is the Β£75 just for one trip @Wibbles? Or does that cover you for a few?
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Do you not get pip mobility to help with extra costs
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Just the one - about 6 miles each way cross county borders
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@Wibbles Β£75 for a return journey works out at Β£37.50 each way. I actually think thatβs reasonable when you look at whatβs included. They pick you up, assist you getting in and out of the vehicle, wait for however long you are in the doctorβs surgery, and the price is fixed. That includes the waiting time, which is a big part of the cost.
If getting there really isnβt affordable for you, it might be worth asking your GP surgery whether they can offer a home visit if your wife is incapacitated and cannot drive you as she normally does.
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That seems to be a good idea - yes !
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Yes I do - but not for a regular Β£75 worth of payment
Anyway - it's no help because they need a weeks notice β¦. this is no good because I generally can't say when I am going to be ill and need a GP appointment !
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I used to volunteer for SYP (South Yorkshire Police) in Rotherham, I had to quit in August 2015 when social flamin' services pulled the funding for the transport from a local firm called Yes 2 Ventures.
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Hi @Wibbles, you'll know better but it might still be worth getting a quote for a cab and for it to wait and return and try to get a first appt of the day. Might be a lot less than 75.00.
If I can't drive I've got a cab to my GP but, to be fair, it's only a mile or so but still c 20.00 return as I can't get one during the school run times so it's mostly waiting time.
Is it worth you thinking of getting on the Patient Hospital Transports books? (In case you have any hospital appts in the future). I was accepted by my (neighbouring) county but it took c a year to get accepted. I could get a cab but then couldn't walk to where the appt is, hence why I got accepted. The Red Cross volunteers help to get patients across some of the hospitals if you need help from the door/being dropped off, but need to arrange in advance but can be hit and miss; not literally π. Anyway, sorry, just realised you weren't really asking about hospital appts!
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The fact that you have an NHS provided powerchair shows that your mobility needs are clearly recognised. Β Your GP will understand your circumstances, so if your wife is ever unable to take you, they should be able to arrange a home visit. Β I know you and your wife are dealing with a lot at the moment, and I really hope things begin to settle so everything feels a little easier and less worrying for you both.
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Pro tip: Don't use Ubers between 8 and 9 AM in the week during term time, they WILL charge you premium fares due to it being the school run hour!
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Yes Uber use surge pricing, however before the arrival of Uber locally you couldn't get a taxi at all during school run hours.
That you now can, albeit at a slightly higher price, is a great improvement ππ»
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Thanks @SheffieldMan1976 and @Kimi87 , useful to know! I've never used Uber yet and just changed my cab firm to one recommended by neighbour, a bit cheaper plus will take my dogs.
Sorry @Wibbles I'd not read all the thread and didn't realise you have a power chair so a cab might not work for you.
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Indeed, during the Secondary years I had to go to school via Taxi, back then I lived in lower Walkley and the school was in Norton! And the Taxis were frequently late due to the driver having a booking before me to pick up 2 lads from Firth Park who were going up to All Saints, but they used to frequently wag it without cancelling the Taxis!
It was only that my Form tutor knew my missing Assembly most mornings wasn't directly my fault that I didn't spent a LOT of time in Detention.
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Unfortunatley Patient Transport dont do GP appointments. Hospital appointment yes, but no GP's.
My response to the OP's question would be to contact PALS, or possible AGEUK. There are various Community/ Volunteer groups around the country that will likely be able to assist..
However a GP should be able to do house visits in urgent circumnstance, as others have said
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Thank you, I didnβt know that so much appreciate the clarity π. My GP said they'd come here but with 4 dogs growling I try to find a workaround! Thanks again Phil!
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I was looking for transport to GP (6 miles away) as well as hospital (2 miles away), appointments as well as a way to visit my wife - if she ever has to go into hospital !!
When I was last in hospital, 10 years ago - for a knee replacement - my wife walked to the hospital 3 times every day (am, pm and evening) to visit me and those visits made me realise how important visits are !!
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Do Ubers take powerchairs ?
Mind you - I really have no idea how to get an Uber (or taxi for that matter) and don't think that there are many around hereβ¦..
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http://www.uber.com. They also have an app which works on Android and IOS phones.
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