Criteria for use of LBVPT Service
Overview
Leighton Buzzard Voluntary Patient Transport (LBVPT) is a volunteer-run organisation designed to provide transport for elderly and/or vulnerable people who do not meet the current criteria for NHS Patient Transport.
We can go to any of the six main hospitals shown below as well as to other locations in the area where outpatient clinics are held. Our call handlers can give you more details.
Our drivers will collect you from home, wait for you at the hospital and then take you home again.
Transport to and from Milton Keynes Hospital has a minimum £12 donation for the round trip.
Transport to and from Amersham Hospital, has a minimum £25 donation for the round trip.
Transport to and from Luton & Dunstable Hospital, has a minimum £12 donation for the round trip.
Transport to and from Bedford Hospital (South Wing), has a minimum £20 donation for the round trip.
Transport to and from Stoke Mandeville Hospital has a minimum £15 donation for the round trip.
Transport to and from High Wycombe Hospital has a minimum £25 donation for the round trip.
Who can use the service?
We are aware that many patients no longer meet the criteria to use NHS patient transport to attend outpatient and other hospital appointments. Full details of the NHS Patient Transpost Service (PTS) can be found here NHS PTS details
If you do not qualify for NHS transport, find it too difficult to use buses, or your circumstances make taxis unaffordable, we may be able to help. We would ask that initially you see if your family, friends or neighbours can give you a lift; or if you are able to do so and can afford it, that you use taxi.
We have a limited number of volunteer drivers and can only offer help when, and if, a driver is available on the day of your appointment. Not all of our volunteer's cars are 4/5 door and some volunteers are unable to take wheelchairs.
Please note, we do not offer a transport service to local GP surgeries or for Hospital visiting, Dentist, Optician appointments or to airports, supermarkets etc.
Refunds of hospital transport costs
You may be able to claim a refund for the cost of transport to hospital or other NHS premises through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) if you:
- are not eligible for PTS
- cannot meet the cost of travelling to hospital
- cannot get a friend or relative to take you
There are conditions you must meet to be eligible for a refund, please see Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)