From 1 April 2025, updated national eligibility criteria for NEPTS  will be implemented in South Yorkshire. this eligibility criteria states most people should travel to and from hospital independently by private or public transport, with the help of relatives or friends if necessary. NHS-funded patient transportation is reserved for when it is considered essential to ensuring an individual’s safety, safe mobilisation, condition management or recovery.

The patient is likely to qualify for non-emergency patient transport if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • They have a medical need
  • They have a cognitive or sensory impairment
  • They have a significant mobility need
  • They are travelling to or returning from in-centre haemodialysis
  • A safeguarding concern has been raised
  • They have wider mobility or medical needs that have resulted in treatment or discharge being missed or severely delayed.

The updated criteria give patients clarity on who is eligible for transport and to ensure that where relevant, they have appropriate access to patient transport.  Included in the updated eligibility criteria is a universal commitment of transport support for patients attending in-centre haemodialysis. This provides guidance to patients, patient groups, haemodialysis units, transport providers and commissioners in support of that universal commitment for transport support.

NEPTS is a very busy service, and it is often much quicker to get to or from hospital independently or with the help of friends, family or voluntary services.

The main provider of non-emergency patient transport services in South Yorkshire is Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS), although other provision is used for patients in Sheffield. Information on some of alternative transport options can also be found below:

Patients who qualify for the Healthcare Travel Cost Scheme may be able to claim a refund for their travel costs

Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services (NEPTS) provide funded transport where a medical condition means that a patient would struggle to safely attend their treatment or appointment independently. NEPTS are important in keeping NHS services flowing smoothly and ensuring access to NHS services for many people.  The service ensures that patients arrive on time for appointments and that, once discharged, they are able to return to their normal place of residence and supports patients receiving regular treatment such as dialysis or cancer treatment.

Eligibility for NHS-funded transport is assessed in relation to a patient’s medical needs, mobility and general transport arrangements. Transport cannot be provided to patients on the basis of social or financial needs. Patients who do not have a medical need for NHS-funded transport will be signposted to alternative transport or schemes.

Patients that are able to make their own way to healthcare appointments using their own transport, family members, public/community transport or taxi services are encouraged to do so.  Signposting to community transport providers is provided.

In addition, under the national NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS), there is an opportunity for patients on a low income/in receipt of some benefits to claim help with travel costs and for carers/escorts (if it is medically necessary).