Hospital Discharge Transport: Your Options and What to Ask

Leaving hospital should be a relief, but getting home safely can be stressful, especially if the patient cannot sit in a car or walk far. This guide covers the options for hospital discharge transport and the questions worth asking before the day. It is general information, not legal or medical advice.

Ask the ward early

Discharge planning normally starts well before the day itself. Ask the ward team or hospital discharge team:

• What day and time is the discharge expected?
• Does the patient qualify for hospital-arranged NHS transport?
• What mobility support will be needed: wheelchair, stretcher, help with stairs, oxygen?
• Will medication, equipment or paperwork travel with the patient?
• Is the home ready, with a bed, ramp or carers in place?

Your transport options

• NHS patient transport: free for eligible patients and arranged through the hospital, but times can be long and are controlled by the service.
• Family car or taxi: fine only if the patient can transfer in and out safely.
• Private non-emergency ambulance or wheelchair vehicle: booked directly, at a time that suits you, with trained crew. This is often used when NHS transport is delayed or unavailable.

What a good discharge journey includes

• A crew trained in moving and handling who help the patient into the property, not just to the kerb.
• The right vehicle for the patient's condition, with secure wheelchair fittings or a stretcher.
• Time to settle the patient at home and check the property is safe.
• A clear price agreed beforehand.

Going to a care home or hospice instead

If the patient is moving to a care home or hospice, tell us the destination and any access needs. See our hospital discharge transport and care home transfers services.

Useful checklist

Our hospital discharge checklist walks through everything to prepare. We cover discharges in every part of the UK, day or night.