Wheelchair Transport to Hospital Appointments: A Practical Guide

For a wheelchair user, a hospital appointment can mean long waits, car park queues and the difficulty of getting in and out of a vehicle. Planning ahead makes the day far easier. Here is how to arrange wheelchair transport to a hospital appointment.

Your options

• NHS patient transport: free for eligible patients and booked through the hospital or GP. Ask the clinic when you receive the appointment.
• Wheelchair accessible taxi or minibus: useful for short local trips if the vehicle can take your chair.
• Private wheelchair accessible vehicle with trained crew: a driver and escort who secure the wheelchair, help with ramps and can wait and bring you back.

Preparing for the day

• Know the appointment time and the hospital department, so the crew can drop you at the right entrance.
• Tell the provider your wheelchair type: manual, powered, size and weight.
• Mention any help needed with steps, kerbs or doorways at home.
• Bring your appointment letter, medication list and any equipment you use.
• Decide whether you need a wait and return so the same crew can bring you back.

Questions to ask the provider

• Can the vehicle carry my wheelchair safely, and will it be secured?
• Will a carer or family member be able to travel with me?
• What happens if the appointment runs late?

Booking with Westron Care

Our wheelchair accessible transport and medical appointment transport services cover hospitals across the UK. On the quote form you can choose one way, wait and return, or return on another day, and tell us exactly what help is needed.