New transport rule changes cause concern among York patients
Revised policy leaves many struggling to attend medical appointments
Newly implemented changes to free non-emergency patient transport rules are causing significant distress for many individuals struggling to access healthcare services in York and North Yorkshire.
Healthwatch York and Healthwatch North Yorkshire reported that over 200 individuals expressed concerns about the impacts of these changes on accessing medical care.
The report highlights significant challenges, including costly taxi journeys that exceed £100 for a round trip from some rural locations, and public transport routes that require lengthy trips with multiple transfers, often stretching hospital visits to a full day.
For some, the timing of hospital appointments means neither public nor community transport options are feasible, especially for early or late appointments.
Additionally, inconsistencies have been reported by individuals who receive transport for certain treatments but not others.
Those reliant on wheelchairs face unique hurdles, with limited availability of wheelchair-accessible taxis and community transport providers often unable to accommodate power chairs or young children.
These transport challenges are affecting mental and physical health, with some individuals losing independence, experiencing anxiety, or forgoing treatment. Others are resorting to self-transport despite medical advising against driving due to health risks.
Siân Balsom, Healthwatch York manager, said: “The feedback we have received is deeply concerning... People are turning down hospital appointments for essential treatment or going into debt to get there. We appreciate that the NHS is facing significant financial challenges. But making it impossible for some of the most vulnerable people to get to appointments cannot be the solution. In the longer term, we could all end up having to pay more to fix the problems this creates.”
The full report is available online and will be discussed at an upcoming meeting of the York Health and Wellbeing Board.