NHS England and NHS Improvement has published their Review of Non-Emergency Patient Transport.

The review commenced in 2019 in response to concerns relating to

  • several high-profile PTS contract failures
  • inconsistencies in the eligibility criteria for patients
  • variations in experience of patients
  • the sustainability of patient transport services in meeting the NHS carbon zero target.

As a Member of the External Advisory Group, the Independent Ambulance Association has played a full and active part in the Review, with Members contributing to the engagement and Round Table events, and particularly of note, the research undertaken by NHSE-I on patient data and sharing PTS modelling tools.

As a Member of the External Advisory Group, the Independent Ambulance Association has played a full and active part in the Review, with Members contributing to the engagement and Round Table events, and particularly of note, the research undertaken by NHSE-I on patient data and sharing PTS modelling tools.

Commenting, Alan Howson (IAA Executive Chairman) said “The IAA fully supports the findings of the Report, which provides a sound platform for the next stage of the work that will see an Implementation Team address the recommendations made.

We encourage IAA Members and others in the sector to assist wherever possible in this next, crucial phase.

I’d like to acknowledge the contribution of Russell Hobbs (G4S Transport Services) who is also a member of the External Advisory Group. Russell was proactive in helping to establish positive working relationships with colleagues representing NHS Ambulance Trusts (particularly on key issues under discussion) and ensuring that the review kept quality and financial sustainability in sight.”

The Association will continue to keep our Members updated on the work of the Implementation Team and of opportunities to contribute to their work.