New Integrated Patient Transport Service Launches in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

Photo – Back row (standing) R-L: Tracey Coles – ICB, Paul Mockett – HTG, Neil Berry – HTG, Nicola Hughes – ICB, Jo Mulvey – HTG, Derek Laird – CEO HTG, Laura Lovatt – Therapeutic Response – Front row R-L: Marianne Cox – ICB, Tracy Gaughran – ICB, John Groom – ICB

Patients in need of transportation to and from NHS appointments and treatments in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are set to benefit from an enhanced service, following the announcement of a new integrated patient transport contract. The NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) have awarded the NHS patient-funded transport (NEPTS) contract to Health Transportation Group UK (HTG-UK), marking a significant development in healthcare services in the region.

For the first time, the service will be integrated under the management of a single provider, offering a comprehensive suite of services. These include non-emergency patient transport, transport for residents of the Isles of Scilly, a dedicated car service for frequent travellers such as renal dialysis patients, high dependency non-emergency transfers with qualified crew, and specialist mental health transport. The service aims to cater to the diverse needs of patients, ensuring accessibility and reliability in their transport to NHS appointments and treatments.

Eligibility for the NHS-funded transport service is determined based on criteria set out in the patient transport policy and medical need assessments. This integration of NEPTS services under HTG-UK is a first for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and it promises not only to enhance patient experience but also to create employment opportunities throughout the region. HTG-UK plans to deliver these improvements by collaborating with established local transport partners, including Therapeutic Response, Lifestar, TAP (Age UK), and A2B taxis.

John Groom, Director of Integrated Care and Project Senior Responsible Officer at NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB, expressed enthusiasm about the new contract, highlighting its potential to offer a truly integrated transport solution for local residents who depend on these services for their healthcare needs. Derek Laird, Chief Executive of HTG-UK, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the company’s commitment to working with all stakeholders and introducing new initiatives aimed at improving patient transport services.

The new contract is scheduled to be implemented from 1 July 2024, with patients transitioning to the new provider without any need to change their booking processes. The existing contact number for the transport service remains unchanged, allowing patients to continue booking their transport through the same channel.

This development represents a significant step forward in ensuring that patients in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have access to reliable, efficient, and suitable transport services for their healthcare needs, reinforcing the commitment of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB and HTG-UK to enhance patient care in the region.