Transport help for some hospital appointments

A NUMBER of transport schemes are available to help some parishioners who need to attend healthcare appointments for non-emergency tests or treatment.

If you have to travel to, say, Plymouth for an appointment, you would normally be expected to make your own way there, using personal transport or the range of public, community and voluntary options available.

But it is just possible that some people may be eligible for NHS funded transport.

Jenny Walrond, the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board’s head of communications and engagement, is keen to promote the choices that might be available for some.

“In our community engagement we’ve heard that people would like to know more about local patient transport options,” said the former BBC Spotlight reporter and presenter.

Cornwall Council provides information on some volunteer transport schemes (including accessible vehicles) and details of these are available by calling TAP Cornwall on Truro (01872) 223 388 or by visiting the Community Transport - Cornwall Council website.

Residents can also find more information through Age UK Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly; Community Transport Services and Volunteer Cornwall by calling Truro (01872) 265 300 or visiting the website: Book transport - Volunteer Cornwall.

NHS-funded patient transport is available for eligible patients meeting the clinical and financial criteria for support or assistance on or after the journey. 

Advice is available through the centralised booking service – Truro (01872) 252 211 – or on-line.

There is more information, including patient guides and details of who is eligible for NHS funded transport at: Patient transport - NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

People can also call the NHS helpline on 0300 330 1343

More information:

https://cios.icb.nhs.uk/2025/06/05/need-help-getting-to-your-appointment/

13th June 2025