If you need help getting to your appointment there are lots of organisations that can provide transport. Community transport organisations and services often offer either scheduled services or door-to-door transport to local hospitals. 

If you're referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a doctor, dentist or another primary care health professional, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) 

If you are going into hospital for a pre-admission or day surgery appointment and know you will need specific care and support afterwards, let us know in advance so we can arrange for an assessment of your needs, or signpost you to other organisations that can provide the support you need. 

You can go to NHS your visit to Hospital to find out more information about what to expect and how to prepare for your operation.
 

If you, or your carer, are admitted to hospital in an emergency we have a responsibility to consider if we need to make arrangements on your behalf to: 

• make sure your property is secure and/or 
• make sure any pets are looked after. Ideally arrangements will be made with a family member, friend or neighbour. 
• where this is not possible we will arrange a cattery, kennel or similar 
• you may be expected to pay any reasonable costs for us to make these arrangements

If you are in an NHS hospital and will need care and support after you leave, this will be arranged for you in hospital. Our social care teams in hospital work in partnership with hospital staff and community health providers seven days a week. Find out more about leaving hospital with care and support needs

 There are also volunteer organisations, such as Age UK, that can provide information and advice for people not eligible for social care support to get settled back at home. 

If you are going into a private hospital for surgery or treatment and think you may need care and support afterwards there are a number of organisations in Worcestershire that can provide short term services to support your recovery. Find local support on Worcestershire’s Community Services Directory or see what equipment and technology is available to help you live independently. 

Hospital Transport Services 

If you our a family member need to attend hospital appointments, you may be eligible for the Patient Transport Service or the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme. 

For other transport options for hospital visits please see

• Alexandra Hospital Redditch
• Worcestershire Royal Hospital
• Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre
• Evesham Community Hospital
• Community Transport

Mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and walking aids or adaptations to your home may be required to overcome some of the difficulties you may have living at home. You can find out more information by visiting Equipment and Adaptations to your home.

You could also ask us for an assessment of your needs. Only those with eligible needs may be entitled to receive funded support from the council.