Overview

The patient travel policy has been developed in line with the commitments made in the WG programme for transforming and modernising planned care and reducing waiting lists in Wales and The role of outpatients in transforming planned care in Wales to ensure that support is easily accessible to those who are required to travel to access appointments and interventions in secondary care services. This includes patient escorts where appropriate (see Section 3: Roles and responsibilities).

The purpose of this policy is to have a:

• Patient’s Travel Policy which reflects the clear drive to modernise and transform the way NHS planned care services are delivered in Wales, including moving towards an evolving regional model.
• Travel plans associated with our health boards commissioning external providers to deliver services on their behalf.
• Regional working systems and processes.
• Consistent messaging to inform patients of the benefits of travelling for care.
•  Effective communication relating to eligibility for support with travel.

The aim of a Patient Travel Policy is to:

• Support socio-economic inclusivity to ensure equitable access to services for patients across Wales.
• Maximise access to services.
• Ensure the most efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements are put in place in line with patient individual needs.