New transport service launched

A NEW provider will be taking charge of non-emergency patient transport services in Leicestershire.

Thames Ambulance Service Limited (TASL) will start running the scheme, which mainly caters for people attending outpatient appointments and receiving renal dialysis, on October 1.

It was the preferred bidder chosen by the three bodies which plan and pay for NHS services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The £29 million contract will run for five years.

Tamsin Hooton, director of urgent and emergency care for the area’s three clinical commissioning groups (CCG) said: “TASL has considerable experience of working with healthcare partners and is committed to improving services in partnership with all stakeholders, building community with service users and their families.

“We know that the ways in which nonemergency patient transport services are provided impacts on people’s lives and their ability to keep well particularly frail and older people. We look forward to working with TASL to ensure that the whole service is person-centred and improves the patient experience from the point of first contact when the booking is made, through to pick-up, relationship of the driver with the patient, journey to the appointment, to getting ready for and returning home.”

In the lead-up to the change over the CCGs will work with current provider Arriva to ensure a smooth transition for patients and staff. Engagement sessions for Hinckley patients are also planned so they can be assured about the future of the service.