Changes to Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) eligibility criteria in the Black Country
The Black Country ICB is aligned with the National NHS Eligibility Criteria for the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS). This is necessary to ensure the service remains clinically focused and financially sustainable for those with the greatest medical need.
Information for patients in the Black Country
Information for patients in the Black Country West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust are the local provider for the non-emergency patient transport service.
What is NEPTS?
Non-emergency patient transport is a transport service, which is provided to patients who have a specific medical need and are attending healthcare services.
It is your responsibility to make your own way to and from healthcare services, unless there is a medical reason why you cannot use private or public transport. This includes: walking, cycling, bus, train, taxi or community/voluntary transport schemes; use of mobility cars, lifts from family, carers, neighbours or other support networks; or a combination of these.
You must meet certain medical eligibility criteria to use NEPTS.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if you:
- Have a medical condition that prevents you from using normal transport
- Require support from trained staff during travel
- Need specialist equipment during transport (e.g. stretcher).
Your eligibility will be checked each time you book. You will be asked to answer a number of questions to determine if you are eligible.
Which hospitals are covered?
The non-emergency patient transport service covers travel to and from NHS appointments at:
- New Cross Hospital
- Russells Hall Hospital
- City Hospital
- Walsall Manor Hospital
- Cannock Chase Hospital
- West Park Rehabilitation Hospital
- Guest Outpatients Centre
- Corbett Outpatient Centre
- Midland Metropolitan University Hospital
- The Gem Centre
- Midland Eye Hospital
- Birmingham Treatment Centre
- Black Country Partnership sites
- Dialysis units in the region
This does not include travel to routine GP appointments, private clinics, or hospitals in Staffordshire, Herefordshire, or Worcestershire.
How to book transport
If you are a patient and wish to book a journey, please call the number below based on your appointment location:
Wolverhampton/Cannock/West Park/
The Gem Centre
01902 694 999
Monday–Friday | 8:30am–5:00pm
Dudley/Sandwell/Walsall/
Birmingham Hospitals
01384 679 047
Monday–Friday | 8:30am–5:30pm
When booking you will be asked to provide the following information:
- Name, Date of Birth, NHS Number
- GP details
- Appointment time, date, and location
- Pick-up address (with postcode).
You can opt in to receive confirmation texts and journey updates.
Will I get a return journey?
Yes. A return journey is automatically booked at the same time as your outbound journey.
Are you on a low income?
If you are not eligible for NEPTS but are on a low income, you may qualify for travel reimbursement under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS). Visit www.nhs.uk or ask your GP surgery for more details.
Healthcare professionals
Healthcare staff can also book NEPTS on your behalf. For Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Birmingham
call: 01384 679 047 and for Wolverhampton call: 01902 694 999.
Email general queries to: ptsenquiries@wmas.nhs.uk
Need help?
An interpreter can be arranged for if required, please request this when booking.