HC Deb 07 November 2002 vol 392 c528W
Mr. Andrew Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assistance is made available by each health authority to patients travelling for treatment. [75200]

Jaqui Smith

Where a patient has a medical need for transport as determined by the clinician in charge of their case, then transport should be provided free of charge, as part of National Health Service treatment. Where patients need financial assistance the hospital travel cost scheme has been established as part of the NHS low income scheme. This provides financial assistance to the patients who do not have a medical need for ambulance transport, but who nevertheless, require assistance in meeting the cost of travel to hospital for transport.