§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the Government are doing to encourage district health authorities to make use of(a) taxis in general and (b) the new design of taxi with its special facilities for the disabled in their provision of non-emergency patient transport services.
§ Dr. MawhinneyGuidance issued by the Department advises that non-emergency patient transport services purchasers should make use of all modes of transport from a range of patient transport service operators who can provide a reliable and flexible service to patients, including, for example, the NHS ambulance service, private ambulance operators, vehicle hire, taxis and voluntary car services. The form of transport used will be determined locally and should be the most suitable for each patient's needs, taking into account any recommendation made by the patient's doctor.