Patient Transport Services – Isle of Wight

At The Bay Medical Practice, we understand that some patients may need assistance getting to their NHS appointments. Below are the transport options available for eligible patients on the Isle of Wight, including NHS-funded services, community transport, and help with travel costs.

Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS)

The Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) is available for patients who:

Have a medical condition that prevents them from using public or private transport.
Require specialist assistance or medical supervision during travel.
Are attending a hospital, GP, or other NHS appointment.
Are discharged from hospital and need assistance getting home.

Booking NEPTS Transport

First-time users must be assessed for eligibility before booking.
Call South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) Patient Transport Booking Line on 0300 123 9833 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm).
To cancel or amend a booking, call 0300 790 0143.
Frequent users may be able to book multiple journeys in advance.

More information about eligibility and booking can be found on the SCAS Patient Transport website.

Patient Transport for Mainland Hospital Appointments

If you have an NHS hospital appointment on the mainland, NHS-funded ferry travel may be available. Patients may be eligible for free or discounted ferry travel to attend mainland treatment.

Booking NHS-Funded Ferry Travel

Red Funnel (Southampton route) – Visit Red Funnel NHS Travel.
Wightlink (Portsmouth route) – Visit Wightlink NHS Travel.
Hovertravel (Southsea route) – Visit Hovertravel NHS Travel.

Patients may need a hospital appointment letter as proof of eligibility. For further details, speak to your GP or hospital team.

Help with Travel Costs (Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme – HTCS)

If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may be able to claim back your travel costs to NHS medical appointments through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).

Eligibility for Travel Cost Reimbursement

You may qualify if you receive:

Income Support
Universal Credit
Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate

How to Claim Travel Costs

In person – Visit the hospital cashier’s office where you have your appointment.
By post – Complete an HC5(T) form, available from the hospital or GP.
More details – Visit the NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.

Community & Volunteer Transport Services

If you are not eligible for NHS-funded patient transport but still need help getting to an appointment, the following services are available:

Isle of Wight Community Action Transport – Provides accessible transport for elderly and disabled patients. Call 01983 524058.
Age UK Isle of Wight Transport Services – Supports patients attending medical appointments. Call 01983 525282.
Volunteer driver schemes – Some local charities offer low-cost transport for medical travel. Contact Isle of Wight Council for more details.

Public Transport & Taxi Services for Medical Appointments

Patients who are able to use public transport may find the following services useful:

Southern Vectis Buses – Regular bus routes across the Isle of Wight. Visit Southern Vectis for timetables.
Island Line Train Services – Ryde to Shanklin rail connections. Visit South Western Railway.
Local Taxis & Private Hire Vehicles – Available across the island, with some offering discounted fares for medical travel.