Non Emergency Patient Transport Needs Are Increasing
In the winter season the healthcare sector is under immense pressure due to increasing demands for services and this also applies to patient transport.
As a provider who works alongside a variety of healthcare organisations, care homes and other facilities, EMA have seen first-hand how much the demand for patient transport services has increased continuously over recent years, with our team now being the busiest we have ever been.
This increase in demand has also been supported by some of the recent figures highlighted in the ‘Improving non-emergency patient transport services’ review published recently by the Independent Ambulance Association, who advise NHS England.
Increasing Demand
Within the report, it was found that ‘NEPTS deliver 11-12 million patient journeys each year, covering around half a million miles each weekday’ and that ‘each weekday, over 20,000 people use NHS non-emergency patient transport services’.
This is a staggering number of individuals utilising patient transport services, and that is those patients that are ab le to qualify for free patient transport. Of course with increased demand comes increased pressures and unfortunately, as we have previously discussed, this is creating challenges and issues for patients and providers alike.
This is why working alongside a trusted private patient transport provider who can deliver quality services is essential in overcoming these challenges and supporting the smooth and efficient running of healthcare services.
How these organisations procure and contract out patient transport services has a huge impact on whether this is achieved or not; opting for a provider who is CQC registered and who applies best practice is essential.
We are proud to be CQC registered and have a team of highly trained staff who are always kept up-to-date on key processes and procedures, in order to continue delivering services that are in line with best practices.
The Need For Tailored Transport
Within the report, it was also stated that ‘what is almost certain is that the range of settings in which healthcare is delivered is likely to continue to diversify, and so is the need for flexibility’. These developments are likely to ‘create an increased need for more tailored transport’.
This is something we are already prepared for, with every vehicle within our fleet having been designed and customised to suit the needs of the patients that we deal with.
Tailoring our services based on each individual’s unique requirements has always been a part of how we operate, and this approach is something we will continue into the future.
We have also recently launched our Private Ambulance Service, which offers an even more tailored transport experience for patients.
This service is entirely person-centred, and all bookings are tailored to the individual, so they will be equipped with everything they will need.
If your organisation is struggling to find a CQC registered private patient transport provider who can meet increasing demands, we would be more than happy to have a call with you to discuss how we can support you.
Contact us on 0800 634 1478 or fill out an enquiry form below to find out how we can help you.