Travel to hospital

[Postdog]

Dunno if this is quite the right place but anyone got any ideas regarding transport help to and from hospital. I live about 12 miles from Northampton and have been referred to the Sir John Radcliffe in Oxford. There is no direct way to get there and the options I've looked at by public transport involve detours from one town to another (One even via London) and will take about 4 hours each trip. For reasons, I cannot drive myself there and I know no-one well enough (only been here a few months) to ask as a favour. There is also the cost aspect as I am on benefits (at the moment) but this may not be the case when I am due to go.

I'm wondering if there are any charities or organisations able to help in these situations or if anyone can make any suggestions.

[scotman]

This organisation might be able to help

http://www.northampto...tus/index.aspx?id=252

[Postdog]

Cheers Scotman, I just had a look and it's worth contacting. Even if they can't help directly thay may be able to point me in the right direction.

[RATTER15]

Surely they have a hospital car service?

[Postdog]

No, I asked. Had to go to Northampton for consulation and MRI, been 3 times so far and had to get cabs there and buses back. I have walking problems anyway, but even so the cost was a joke, about £30 minimum. I have to go to Oxford because it is a specialist hospital and the thing is, I HAVE to go there, if you get my meaning. I have a car myself but I cannot - because of why I have to go - risk driving myself. At various stages I have asked if there were any schemes in place to assist with travel, but the doctors haven't seemed to know.

The answer from Scotman looks the most hopeful at the moment.

[sherrardk]

Can you contact the Radcliffe and ask if there is any patient transport available? My f

[sherrardk]

I hadn't finished -my friend had to take her son to Birmingham Childrens Hospital on a regular basis and used their transport services (even though she could drive she was still able to use this service).

[welshlibranr]

Postdog, they are sure to have a voluntary driving service there! have a look, they're sure to be happy to help you!.....

[Buenchico]

I hope that Scotman's link will be of use to you. Other than that, the quickest way from Northampton to Oxford (taking around 1½ hours) is to take a train to Milton Keynes and then catch the X5 bus (from stop 36 on Station Square) to Oxford.

From Oxford city centre there are frequent buses (10, 14 & 23) to the JR Hospital, taking just over 10 minutes for the journey.

Chris

[The-HouseHusband]

You should be able to get non-emergency transport from the hospital you have been referred to or from the hospital that did the referal.

Contact the patient transport liaison office at either of the hospitals and explain the reasons for your request. I have had to make numerous trips for a lower spinal problem and the hospital has sorted out transport for me every time. Hopefully the next trip in August will be the last needed as I am in for surgery at last.

Hope all goes well for you Postdog and you manage to sort something out, I know how frustrating it is having a vehicle and not being able to use it due to health reasons.

[The-HouseHusband]

Forgot to mention Postdog that if you have spinal problems that make it uncomfortable or painful to sit for any length of time or walk any sort of distance they are much more likely to assist and will send appropriate transport.

[Jemisa]

Go to your own GP and explain the problem, very often the practice can sort it for you. You must give 48hr notice though.
This is what I do.

jem

[wolf63]

I know that you are asking about transport but have just had a thought. Have you investigated claiming for DLA?

[welshlibranr]

really good advice there from househusband Postdog, sure you can get some trnsport!...

[Postdog]

DLA! I doubt they'd look at that as I am having enough trouble with ESA. Had my assessment recently and despite hobbling, shaking, some difficulty in other ways I was awarded no points. I've put in an appeal but the law centre I visited today advised me they probably won't accept it. They've deemed I'm fit for work even though I have been getting progressively worse mobility wise as days go by.

My neurologist has detected a growth in the brain and suspects this is causing my issues, hence that hospital, but there is no prognosis at the mo, and the powers that be seem to ignore the doctors findings and go by what they say. Yes I can walk and stand, but ask me to do it for more than 20 minutes or within a few hours of doing it, and I'll fall over.

I did check out the X5 Buenchico, but I actually live in Rushden and Wellinborough is the nearest station - bus or taxi to Bedford is possible (I say taxi because it'll cost on par with a train) but the journey times are horrendous.

Anyway, some good advice here, so thanks all - gives me somewhere to start instead of doing what I have done so far.

[bednobs]

you need to be checking out volunteer car schemes in your area - you'll still have to pay but it will be cheaper. If not, phone the local patient advise and liaison service at your pct/hospital

[stowfelda]

Age Concern or now Age UK. We have transport schemes which take people to hospital or medical centres.

[LoftyLottie]

Ask at your Doctor's surgery Postdog. They will have all the relevant information and you should get some help.

[Buenchico]

From Rushden, the quickest route appears to be vis Bedford. M50 bus (or 125) to Bedford. X5 to Oxford. As above to the JR Hospital.

[Postdog]

Got in touch with the patient advisor at the hospital now, Still waiting for an answer but given it is a specialist hospital and probably has a wide catchment area, I'm sure they can advise even if they can't directly help.