Patients in the Western Isles who have a medical condition or mobility need that requires ambulance transport to get to their healthcare appointments will benefit from a new direct booking and management system to be introduced by the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) on April 23rd.
From that date, patients will book ambulance transport directly via a specialist SAS contact centre in Inverness. They will be able to talk to specially trained staff and request ambulance transport to and from their healthcare appointment up to 28 days in advance.
The new number to call is:
0300 123 1236
Anyone hard of hearing can contact the Service via Text Relay on 18001-03001231236
Patients who need support can ask their carer or GP to make the request on their behalf.
The new service is part of a wider initiative to improve the Patient Transport Service, making it more flexible to better meet patients’ needs and improving punctuality and journey times. It will assist SAS staff to speak directly to patients a get a better understanding of their individual requiremnts.
Heather Kenney, Director of Strategic Planning and Quality Improvement, Scottish Ambulance Service, said:
“The introduction of a new dedicated booking management centre for the Patient Transport Service, with specially trained staff, will create a much more accessible and personal service for patients. Investment in new mobile data technology on all our vehicles will enhance communications with ambulance crews and create more flexibility, which allows us to be more responsive to patients and improve punctuality and journey times.”
The Scottish Ambulance Service provides ambulance transport for patients who need support to reach their healthcare appointments due to their medical or mobility needs. Our aim is that ambulance service staff will be able to support patients who do not have a medical need for ambulance transport by suggesting alternative transport solutions to get to their healthcare appointment.
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