Community and other transport options

If you are not eligible for NHS-funded patient transport, a number of alternative transport options may be available to help you attend your hospital appointment.

Public transport

You may be able to travel to your appointment by bus, train, or coach.

For information on routes, connections, journey planning, and timetables, contact Traveline South West:

Telephone: 0871 200 2233
Website: www.travelinesw.com

Reduced-rate taxi service

To help patients attend their appointments and avoid potential parking delays, PRC Streamline offers a discounted fixed-price taxi service to and from:

• Royal Bournemouth Hospital
• Poole Hospital
• Christchurch Hospital
• Other University Hospitals Dorset outpatient sites

To book, call 01202 373737 and ask for a Discounted Fixed Price Fare.

Community transport schemes

Local community transport providers and volunteer driver schemes may be able to assist with travel to healthcare appointments.

BCP Council residents

Information on community transport and volunteer car schemes operating within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can be found on the BCP Council website. Volunteer community cars scheme | BCP

Dorset Council residents

Information on community transport and volunteer car schemes operating across Dorset can be found in the Dorset Community Transport Directory. Dorset Community Transport Directory - Dorset Council

Please note that services vary by location and may have their own eligibility criteria.

Accessible community transport

If you require wheelchair-accessible transport, the following services may be able to help:

South East Dorset

• SEDCAT Accessible Transport Accessible Transport in South East Dorset –
  Tel: 01202 534027

West Dorset

• Ablecabs (Weymouth)
  Tel: 01305 334455

East Dorset

• Wheelchair-accessible taxi services operate across the area. Patients are advised to contact local taxi operators directly to discuss availability and accessibility requirements.

Volunteer car services

Volunteer driver schemes can provide a valuable transport option for patients who may have difficulty accessing public transport or arranging alternative travel.

Volunteer drivers often use their own vehicles and may charge a mileage rate or small contribution towards travel costs.

Your GP practice may be able to provide information about local volunteer transport services operating in your area.

We are aware of volunteer car schemes operating in the following locations:

• Christchurch Neighbour Car (covering BH23 postcodes) - 01202 989632
• Ringwood Good Neighbours - 07933 202112
• Verwood Neighbour Car - 01202 826764
• West Parley, Neighbour Car - 01202 890173
• Wimborne Neighbour Car - 01202 849360

Car Share Dorset

Car Share Dorset is a free online service that helps match drivers and passengers making similar journeys across Dorset.

The scheme uses the Liftshare platform to calculate a suggested passenger contribution based on journey length and HM Revenue & Customs approved mileage rates. Contributions are designed to help drivers recover costs rather than make a profit, helping to ensure personal motor insurance is not affected.

For more information or to register, visit the Car Share Dorset website. Car share with trusted, reviewed and rated Liftshare.com members

Please note: University Hospitals Dorset does not endorse or guarantee any external transport provider. Patients are advised to satisfy themselves that any transport arrangements meet their individual needs before booking.

Help with travel costs (HTCS)

Patients (and sometimes their escort) who are under the care of a consultant or who have been referred by their GP, dentist or optician may be entitled to help with travel, parking and toll costs. Help is available to anyone who receives:

• Income support
• Income based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• An NHS Tax Credit exemption certificate
• Universal Credit (not all claimants, check on www.nhs.uk)
• On a low income and is named on certificate HC2 or HC3 - to apply for a certificate, complete form HC1

You can reclaim the cost of your journey by post, within 3 months of the journey To find out more, call the national helpline on 0300 330 1343, and ask for leaflet “Help with Health Costs” or visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/