Changes to patient transport services in Sussex

South Coast Ambulance Services (SCAS) have been acquired by EMED, who currently carry out a service for patient transport in Surrey.

From today (Tuesday 1 April), EMED will also be involved with looking after the patient transport for Sussex, and we will no longer be using SCAS.

The service will offer a range of benefits including:

• A single point of co-ordination for all patients seeking transport to secondary care services. This contact centre will operate seven-days-a-week, including public and bank holidays.

• An expanded and more responsive transport service running for at least 12 hours a day, seven days a week, to support patients and discharged from hospital.
• Provision of improved services for mental health patients, including those detained under the Mental Health Act, enabling transport to and from all secondary and tertiary services.
• Use of modern technology to enhance the patient experience (e.g. use of web-based portals and, over time, apps, if patients are comfortable to use them and have access to the required technology).
• Improved accessibility to the service such as offering translation services or support for those with visual or hearing impairments, same-sex drivers, availability of specialist equipment, accommodation of escorts and flexibility regarding drop-off locations.

Provided by EMED Group, eligible patients and healthcare professionals can book transport by calling the new dedicated telephone number: 0300 777 4444

Patients can also access general service information and answers to frequently asked questions, as well as leaflets including easy read versions, at www.emedgroup.co.uk/sussex.

Photo courtesy of EMED.