You might need help getting to our hospitals from time to time.
If you do there are lots of different services and schemes that could help.
You will find more information about some of these on this page.
Patient Transport Service (NEAS)
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) can help with transport if you are coming to hospital for pre-planned, non-emergency treatment.
This service could help you if you have a medical condition that stops you getting to and from hospital in any other way. It also might be for you if you need help from an ambulance care assistant while you travel.
If you think this might be you and you could use this help call 0191 215 1515. The Patient Transport Services team will ask you some questions and assess your needs.
Your GP or hospital staff can also arrange this for you.
If you need to cancel your booking call 0191 215 1515 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. If your booking is for the next working day call 0300 111 0247.
Click this link for more information: NEAS Patient Transport Services.
If you can’t use NEAS Patient Transport Services there are other options. You can read about these by clicking the headings below.
Age UK Sunderland has a scheme called ‘dial a driver’.
You can use this if you are 60 or older and struggle to use public transport to get to appointments.
A volunteer driver will pick you up, take you to your appointment and then take you home. They will also help you get to and from the car. While you’re at your appointment they will either wait for you or come back later to collect you. This depends on how long your appointment is.
You can use this service if you live in Sunderland, Hetton, Houghton or Washington.
Volunteers drive their own cars to get you where you need to be. You will need to pay for fuel. This will be up to 50p a mile. The distance is worked out from when the driver leaves their house to pick you up right up until they get back home.
You can book by calling 0191 514 8339 or emailing dialadriver
Find out more by clicking this link: Age UK Sunderland.
XL Health has a ‘dial a ride’ service. This will help you get to your appointment and an escort will help you get around the hospital too.
How much this service costs depends on what you need.
To find out how much this will cost or to book call 0333 339 4620 and choose option 1.
Find our more by clicking this link: XL Health.
Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care is a charity. It helps people get to and from the Newcastle Freeman and RVI Hospitals.
It is free to use. People who are getting chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment can use this service.
You can talk to your nurse or consultant about this at your appointment. They will book it for you.
Find out more by clicking this link: Daft as a Brush Patient Cancer Care.
Age Concern Tyneside South (ACTS) has a ‘home from hospital’ service.
When you are ready to go home after a stay in hospital your doctor or nurse will assess you. They will make sure you have support. This will help you recover better.
ACTS can take you home and help for 6 weeks after you leave hospital. They can help with things like shopping, going to appointments or going for a walk.
You can use this service if you live in South Tyneside. Your nurse or doctor will refer you to this service.
Find out more by clicking this link: Age Concern Tyneside South.
