Travel and Costs
Patient Transport Service (PTS)
Patient Transport Service (PTS) provides travel for patients who are unable to attend their NHS appointments due to a medical need for support during the journey. Eligibility is based on strict national criteria and is limited to those requiring assistance; to be eligible for the service, you must need support or assistance during the journey to your healthcare appointment. PTS is not available for social reasons or private appointments.
In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust manages all PTS assessments and bookings for NHS-funded care, for transport to any NHS location.
To check eligibility or book transport, call 01872 252211
Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)
If you're referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a doctor, dentist or another primary care health professional, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS). This includes Cornish residents travelling to Devon based hospitals, including Derriford.
Parking Charges
To reclaim your expenses, simply bring your travel receipts, appointment letter or card, and proof of receiving one of the qualifying benefits to the relevant General Office. You're just a few steps away from getting your expenses back!
Find all the details of the General Offices here:
NHS Low Income Scheme
If you have a low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS).
The scheme covers:
Prescription costs
Dental costs
Eyecare costs
Healthcare travel costs
Wigs and fabric supports
Volunteer Cornwall Transport (VCT)
Volunteer drivers all around the county to get you where you need to be.
Affordable travel (45p/mile + £3 Booking Fee per journey) - Minimum of 20 miles per trip.
VCT have volunteer drivers right across the county to help you get around Cornwall, all their drivers have continuous training and enhanced DBS checks.
Anyone can use the service just give them a call on 01872 265 300 or visit their website here
Devon Community Transport:
For those using Devon based health services, Devon Community Transport is a network of voluntary organisations that help people get to the shops, services, medical appointments or leisure activities where no alternative or suitable transport is available.
TAP (Transport Access Patients)
TAP coordinates a fleet of car drivers across Cornwall who can organise a lift for you.
They can arrange for a car or an accessible minibus if you have a wheelchair or walking frame.
There is a charge for this service (payable per mile) and you can travel alone or with friends or family.
You can contact TAP on 01872 223388.
(You can contact TAP Devon on 0845 053 9100)
Useful phone numbers
Patient Transport Service at Royal Cornwall Hospital: 01872 252211
Transport Access Patients: 01872 223388
National Rail Enquiries: 0845 748 3950
First Bus: 0845 600 1420
Isles of Scilly Travel: 0845 710 5555