New provider of non-emergency patient transport is appointed in area

NHS Clinical commissioners for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-trent have appointed a new provider of non-emergency patient transport (NEPT) for the area.

Vehicles and crews will be provided by ERS Medical from August 1 after the award of a fiveyear contract following a routine re-tendering process.

The NEPT service will deliver around 187,000 journeys a year to hospitals and other health settings and provide a lifeline for patients who qualify and do not have other transport options. All journeys are non-urgent and pre-booked.

Marcus Warnes, accountable officer for Staffordshire and Stokeon-trent CCGS said: “We look forward to working with ERS Medical who have an established track record as a NEPT provider. Together we are committed to providing a high quality service for our residents.

“The contract with E-zec was extended for another 12 months last year as it would not have been right to carry out the retendering process at the time due to Covid concerns.

“I would like to thank E-zec for the hard work and dedication of their staff and for the work that they have done to support our patients during the pandemic.”

The service has been provided by E-zec Medical since 2016. E-zec and ERS have been working together to ensure there is a smooth switch between providers and continuity of service for patients.

Andrew Pooley, managing director at ERS Medical, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to provide Non-emergency Patient Transport Services across Staffordshire CCGS. ERS Medical is passionate about providing the best possible care.”