Non-emergency patient transport services are changing across Cambridgeshire.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust will be the provider of NHS non-emergency patient transport services for people who meet the criteria.

The transport helps people get to their hospital appointments like outpatients and X-ray.

While most patients can get themselves to and from NHS appointments some people need extra help.

These patients might include people with a medical condition that would prevent them from travelling or who need the skills and help of ambulance care staff during the journey.

There will be one patient transport service across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, with a single telephone number for people to call.

Sarah Shuttlewood, of the CCG, said: “Callers requesting NEPTS should ensure that they have all the relevant information to hand when making the call, for example NHS number, details of GP practice, hospital clinic, and appointment details.

“Some questions about mobility will be asked which must be answered fully in order that the call handler can assess eligibility.

“Please remember that the call handler is only able to give a decision based on the information you have given them, so please make sure you give as much information as you can when you call.

“If you realise that you have left out any relevant information you should call the contact centre to update the information and ask for a new eligibility assessment to be made.”

Patients with concerns about the service can contact EEAST Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 028 3382 or eoeasnt.rfi@nhs.net. • Call the patient transport service on 0845 603 8117. Lines open Monday-Sunday 8am-6.30pm.