The Welsh Ambulance Trust has performed a ‘U-turn’ on their recent decision to remove ‘social need’ from their list of qualifying criteria for non-emergency patient transport, in a move welcomed by many, including Aberconwy Assembly Member – Janet Finch-Saunders.
The original change had meant that only those with ‘medical need’ or ‘mobility need’ were eligible, however, following pressure from Janet Finch-Saunders AM, the Trust has reconsidered this move.
Janet said:
“I am delighted in the decision of the Trust to reinstate the ‘social need’ criteria for non-emergency patient transport. Excluding these patients means that there is a real danger of appointments being missed – which has knock-on effects for both their health and the resources of our NHS – already stretched due to the Welsh Labour Government squeezing the budget.
“An elderly constituent of mine, unable to drive, had been particularly distressed at being refused transport to attend a 9am appointment at a hospital over 20 miles from her home. Clearly this is an unacceptable situation, and I made clear to the Trust the need for them to review their policy in this regard.
“This is a positive and sensible U-turn, and I look forward to public consultation on this in the future.”
ENDS
Notes [hyperlinks underlined]:
- The Welsh Health Circular issued by the Welsh Government on 12 February 2007 states that “A non-emergency patient is defined as a patient who, whilst requiring treatment, does not need the skills of an ambulance paramedic or technician, but may require trained patient care ambulance personnel to undertake a journey to or from a health facility”.
- A patient is eligible for non-emergency transport if they require a stretcher, oxygen or other medical gases, are in a wheelchair, are receiving regular dialysis or cancer treatment, cannot walk without continual support, and or cannot use public transport due to medical conditions or communication difficulties.
Document attached:
- Letter from Ms Tracy Myhill, Chief Executive, Welsh Ambulance Trust, 21/04/17