Can someone travel with me on Patient Transport journeys?

We recognise that some patients would like the support of family and friends with them on their journey, however, this takes up seats that could otherwise be used for other patients with a medical appointment.

Escorts are therefore only allowed to support specific patient needs. For example, an escort would be permitted to accompany a patient who:

• has significant physical or mental incapacity,
• needs the escort to act as a translator,
• is under 16 years old and requires a parent or guardian.

An escort can be a healthcare professional, relative or carer. Assistance dogs are also treated as an escort and should be booked to travel on every occasion, so the crew is expecting them.

We cannot accommodate escorts if their role is to provide personal care at the hospital. In that case the escort will need to make their own way to the destination and meet you there.

Please note:

• Escorts must be included in the booking before the day of travel. If an escort has not been booked to travel with a patient in advance, they will not be able to travel on the day.
• Patients and their escort will be picked up and dropped off at the same, planned address. We are unable to collect from or drop-off to multiple destinations.
• If a patient is admitted to hospital or their return journey is cancelled for any other reason, escorts will need to make their own way home.