If you need to come to hospital for treatment or tests you might be able to get help with the cost of getting here. This is through the NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme. 

You can get help with travel costs if all 3 of these things apply to you: 

  1. You get certain benefits or if you have a special NHS certificate that says you have a low income. Find out more about this by clicking this link.
  2. Your doctor or nurse sends you to a hospital or clinic for more tests or treatment. 
  3. Your hospital visit is on a different day from when your doctor or nurse gave you the referral. 

The easiest and quickest way to make a claim is to visit one of our cashier offices. You can see details of these below:

Sunderland Royal Hospital

The office is at the main reception desk. Use entrance 1 on Kayll Road. It is on B Level. 

It is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. 

South Tyneside District Hospital 

The office is at Ingham Wing. Use the main entrance. It is the first door on the left. It will say "General Office". 

It is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.

Sunderland Eye Infirmary  

Use the Outpatients B entrance. Walk straight down the corridor and go through the double doors. It will say "General Office". 

It is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. 

You must bring: 

  • Proof of your appointment. This might be:
    • Your appointment letter
    • A text message on your phone
  • Proof of your benefits. This might be: 
    • A benefit letter (dated within 3 months of your appointment)
    • Proof on your phone 
  • Proof of your travel costs. This might be: 
    • A bus, Metro or train ticket 
    • Parking receipt or proof. You can also claim a percentage of your mileage. 

You cannot claim for taxi charges unless we approve this before you travel. You must bring a letter confirming this with you when you claim. 

Once your documents are checked, you will receive a cash refund. 

 

You can still apply for a refund using an HC5(T) form. 

Where can I get this form?

You can: 

What do I do with the form? 

Once you have filled in the form you can post it to: 

NHS Business Services Authority 
Bridge House
152 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6SN

What happens next?

The Business Services Authority will check if you are eligible. 

They will then send the form to the hospital you attended. 

The hospital will contact you to let you know if your refund has been approved. 

If you have any questions you can: 

  • Email: stsft.patient-travel@nhs.net
  • Call:
    • Sunderland Royal Hospital - 0191 565 6256 and use extension 49049
    • South Tyneside District Hospital - 0191 404 1094
    • Sunderland Eye Infirmary - 0191 565 6256 and use extension 46333

If you are a renal patient you should: 

  • Email: stsft.renaltravel@nhs.net
  • Call: 0191 565 6256 and use extension 47438

We are here between 8am and 5pm. 

There is more information on this scheme on the NHS website. 

This includes information on whether you can apply for help or not, what kind of transport you can use and how to get a refund.