Taxi may transport suspected patients to hospital

TAXIS could be used to transport suspected coronavirus patients to hospitals as part of plans to help ease the pressure on the NHS.

The proposal is being put to Hackney cab drivers because their partitioned cabins can be easily adapted for those suffering from the virus.

It would see drivers being kitted out in full protective equipment and taxis being deep-cleaned and sanitised before and after journeys.

A source told the Sun on Sunday firms have been contacted by Transport Scotland to ascertain how many taxis are potentially available.

The full details are still to be finalised, but it is understood the service would operate 24/7 across Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Ayrshire initially — and would be free.

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “This is not a replacement for the patient transport service, rather this arrangement is for patients well enough to attend assessment centres by private car or taxi. Ambulances will continue to be available for those patients who have a clinical need for them.

“This is an individual health board matter.”

Information sent to drivers said the service would only involve cabs with a full partition, with cash slots sealed off to stop the virus from spreading.

A similar service is being introduced across London. Patients assessed as in need of medical help will be referred to NHS community centres and a cab will pick them up if they can’t use their own car.

Following an assessment, they will either be returned home by the same cab where appropriate, or routed to a different NHS service.

The Scottish Government said it is “engaging with a number of organisations who may assist moving patients should this be required”.