Do you need help travelling to NHS services?

Most people drive, use public transport, or rely on the kindness of family and friends to get to the doctor, pharmacist, or hospital on time. But, if you don’t have good access to transport, it can mean that you’re late or end up missing your appointment. It can be even harder if you need to attend regular appointments at a hospital for long-term conditions, such as chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

There are lots of reasons why you might not be able to get to NHS services easily for non-emergency issues. For example, you might be physically unable to travel, or unable to afford transport.

Here, we provide some  information about the support available to help make this easier for you.

What support is available?

If you need help getting to appointments, find out whether you’re eligible for NHS-funded support.

If you can’t travel to hospital because of your medical condition

Ask your GP or the person who referred you about Patient Transport Services. These services provide free transport to and from hospital for:

• People whose condition means they need additional medical support during their journey
• People who find it difficult to walk
• Parents or carers of children who are being transported

Find out how to access patient transport for the Whittington Hospital

Find out how to access patient transport for University College London Hospitals

If you’re travelling on public transport

If you do not receive benefits, but you are having to make frequent trips by public transport, there may be weekly or monthly season tickets that can reduce costs, or options such as booking tickets online, which may work out cheaper than the full cost of one ticket.  

For students, people with disabilities and those over 65 there are often options for reduced or free travel passes.

• In London you can apply for a Freedom Pass, which is a bus pass that allows you to travel free of charge if you are over 65.
• National Rail offers a range of discounts and concessions for children, people over 60, and people with disabilities.
• Islington Council website has details on how to apply for disabled bus travel passes.  These can sometimes be also to include a companion traveller, depending on disability and mental capacity for independent travel.

• If you have severe disabilities that make it difficult for you to use public transport, you may be eligible for a Taxicard. It gives you subsidised travel in London taxis.

• The Travel for London website provides guidance and resources for accessible travel.