HC Deb 06 February 1989 vol 146 c503W
Mr. Fearn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospitals charge transport costs to patients of out-patient clinics and those patients admitted after referral by their general practitioner; what is the average charge; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

Ambulance service transport is provided free of charge for those patients considered by a clinician to be medically unfit to travel by any other means. Patients who do not have a medical need but who have difficulty in finding other means of attending hospital may also be carried by the ambulance service but a charge may be made.

Information on the level and extent of such charges is not centrally available.