Wheelchair Accessible Taxis - FOI Response Register

1. Does your health board reimburse patients using wheelchair accessible taxis to attend scheduled appointments?

Patients are only reimbursed for travel costs if they fall under the criteria for HITS i.e. travel more than 30 miles to attend hospital (or 5 mile by sea).

2. How much has your health board spent in each of the last five years on reimbursing patients using wheelchair accessible taxis to attend scheduled appointments?

In accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested. This information is not held as claims do not identify if wheelchair accessible taxi is used.

3. In the event that your health board does not reimburse patients using wheelchair accessible taxis to attend scheduled appointments, what provision does your health board have in place to allow these patients to attend?

In accordance with FOISA s 16(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it holds the information requested but that it is exempt from disclosure under FOISA s 25(1) as the information requested is accessible without submitting a request under FOISA s 1(1). The information you have requested is available here:

https://www.nhsshetland.scot/travelling-care

Please note that overarching principle across the UK for patient travel costs for attending NHS treatment in the community or hospital services is it sits with the individual.

There are specified exceptions to this, which includes qualifying benefits or NHS low-income scheme, information on these is publicly available at NHS Inform website.

In addition, the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) patient transport is available to help patients who meet eligibility criteria to attend hospital appointments. Individuals require contacting SAS directly to arrange a booking. 

Lastly, section 165 of the Equality Act 2010 places duties on drivers of designated Wheelchair Accessible taxis and PHVs (WAVs) to carry a disabled passenger who uses a wheelchair and without additional charges. From 6 April 2017, a Taxi driver face a fine of up to £1,000 if they refuse to transport wheelchair users or attempt to charge them extra.