Sussex Non Emergency Transport Information

To find out if you are eligible to use NEPTS, you’ll need to be assessed against national criteria by calling your local booking and information team whose telephone number is at the top of this page. You can also find out more about eligibility criteria via this site and this site.

Usually, NEPTS is available to you if:

• Your medical condition means you cannot use other forms of transport without damaging your health.
• Your mobility means that you would be unable to use any other means of transport – for example, stretcher patients.
• You need the skills and support of specialist patient transport staff – for example, to administer oxygen during the journey.

No, it is free for patients who are eligible for the service.

Our Patient Care ambulance crews have extensive experience and expertise in delivering high-quality, empathetic patient care.

Every team member has undergone an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service, been driver assessed and undertaken a fully accredited in-house training programme.

If you are a patient, or a patient’s nominated representative (e.g. a carer, friend, family etc.) please call your local booking and information team at the top of this page.

If you have travelled with us before, you can also book your transport through the Patient Zone. The Patient Zone allows you to book transport, manage bookings and check your journey status. You can also cancel a booking if transport is no longer required.

Please note that you cannot book your first journey with us through the Patient Zone. You must first register your details with us over the phone by calling the booking and information team first.

You will receive a call to confirm your booking, and if you booked directly, you’ll also receive a confirmation by letter or email. If you have provided a mobile number with your booking, you’ll also receive a booking confirmation text and a further text reminder 24 hours ahead of your journey.

On the day of your appointment, you will usually be picked up within the two-hour window before your appointment time. This is because we may have to pick up other patients on the way to the hospital or clinic.

When you arrive outside the hospital or clinic’s main entrance we’ll assist you to get to the waiting area, clinic, outpatient department or ward you need for your appointment.

Usually, a return journey is included in the transport provided for outpatient and day-patient appointments, unless otherwise agreed at the time of booking. When your appointment has finished, please wait in the main reception area of the hospital or clinic where you’ve had your appointment, and you’ll be collected from there.

If there is any delay in your transport collecting you, we will contact you by telephone.

Call your local booking and information team at the top of this page.

Please call your local booking and information team at the top of this page and inform them that you no longer require your booked journey. Please also let the relevant ward or department know if you no longer require your appointment.

Space is limited, which is why escorts are permitted only when there is a medical need for the journey. A family member, friend or carer may only travel with you if you:

• Are under the age of 16 – an escort must travel with the patient
• Rely on a translator
• Rely on a carer for communication or have significant communication difficulties, including learning difficulties, impaired sight or are hard of hearing
• Have mental health issues that require a known carer to accompany you
• Have a medical condition that requires constant supervision for safety

Other community programmes may be suitable if you’re not eligible for non-emergency patient transport. You will find these details on the website of your NHS Trust or by calling the booking and enquiries number at the top of this page.

If you have travelled with us before, the Patient Zone allows you to book transport, manage bookings and check your journey status. You can also cancel a booking if transport is no longer required.

Please note that you cannot book your first journey with us through the Patient Zone. You must first register your details with us over the phone by calling the booking and information team first.

EMED Group was formed in 2023 following the merger of ERS Medical and E-zec Medical Transport Services. It is now the largest provider of non-emergency patient transport services in the UK, employing over 2,500 staff nationwide. As well as patient transport services, EMED Group also provides secure mental health services, community and educational transport, as well as medical courier services.