Non-emergency patient transport services in Cornwall will be provided by a new organisation from the summer.
The contract, commissioned by NHS Kernow, has been taken on by E-zec Medical Transport Services Ltd, who will deliver pre-planned and on the day non-emergency transport between a patient’s home and a hospital or clinic.
The service – which runs 365 days a year and 24 hours a day – is available for eligible patients for medical reasons, who would otherwise be unable to travel to their appointment.
The operational hours of the service and patient eligibility will not be changing when E-zec take over the contract from NSL. NSL are currently not looking to bid for, or deliver, contracts in the patient transport services sector any more. E-zec will run the service from 28 May, 2016. The contract ends on 30 September, 2018.
Dr Iain Chorlton, chairman at NHS Kernow, said: “NHS patient transport is a vital service for many eligible patients who need help to attend appointments for medical reasons.
“We are funding an effective, flexible and reliable service to meet the needs of local patients.
“Importantly, patients will see no operational change when E-zec take over the contract from NSL – they will still receive the same service delivered by the same staff. In the meantime, patients should continue using the service as normal.”
Comprehensive plans are in place to ensure a smooth transfer of the service to E-zec, who have a proven track record of managing patient transport for the NHS and currently provide patient transport services in Dorset, Hereford, Birmingham and London.
Andy Wickenden, commercial director with E-zec Medical Transport Services, said: “The E-zec team are delighted to be taking over the management of the Cornwall patient transport service and are looking forward to working with NHS Kernow and patients in the county to provide an improved, high quality patient transport service.
“The Cornwall service is a fantastic addition to our existing contracts and expands our services across the South West of England.”
Around 3,500 patients a month use the patient transport service in Cornwall. Information about eligibility for the service is available at: www.kernowccg.nhs.uk/get-info/patient-transport
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