Book An Ambulance

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UK Nationwide Service, 0330 043 8465

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you may want to know about booking private patient transport in the UK.

About the service

What is private patient transport?

Private patient transport is a pre-booked medical transport service designed for individuals who require assistance travelling safely between locations such as hospitals, care homes, hospices, clinics, airports, and private residences.

Unlike standard taxis or public transport, private patient transport is operated by trained healthcare professionals who understand patient needs and can provide support throughout the journey. Services may include wheelchair transport, stretcher transport, oxygen-assisted transport, and specialist medical transfers.

Book An Ambulance manages bookings for professional private patient transport throughout the UK, ensuring patients travel safely, comfortably, and with dignity.

How does private ambulance transport work?

Private ambulance transport begins with an assessment of the patient's mobility, medical condition, and journey requirements.

Our booking team gathers important information including:

  • Collection and destination addresses
  • Mobility requirements
  • Wheelchair or stretcher needs
  • Oxygen requirements
  • Medical support requirements
  • Escort details

The ambulance provider then allocates the most suitable vehicle and crew. On the day of transport, the medically trained staff collect the patient, assist them throughout the journey, and ensure a safe handover at the destination.

Do I need a medical reason to book patient transport?

No. Private patient transport can be booked for any individual who would benefit from additional support during travel.

Common reasons include:

  • Limited mobility
  • Recent surgery
  • Frailty
  • Wheelchair use
  • Hospital discharge
  • Long-distance medical appointments
  • Specialist treatment centres

Many private patient transport passengers simply prefer the reassurance and comfort of travelling with healthcare-trained professionals.

Can anyone book a private ambulance?

Yes. Anyone can arrange private ambulance transport.

Bookings are commonly made by:

  • Patients
  • Family members
  • Care homes
  • Hospitals
  • GP practices
  • Solicitors
  • Case managers
  • Insurance companies
  • Holiday travel providers

If you are unsure of the patient's requirements, the team at BookAnAmbulance.co.uk can guide you through the booking process.

What areas do you cover?

Book An Ambulance provides patient transport services throughout England, Scotland, Wales and selected journeys involving Northern Ireland.

We regularly support:

  • Local hospital transfers
  • Regional specialist clinic appointments
  • Nationwide medical transport
  • Airport medical transfers
  • Care home movements

Whether the journey is five miles or five hundred miles, we can arrange suitable transport.

Do you provide nationwide transport?

Yes.

Our nationwide patient transport service allows patients to travel safely anywhere within the United Kingdom.

Common long-distance journeys include:

  • London to Manchester
  • Birmingham to Bristol
  • Southampton to Newcastle
  • Manchester to Glasgow
  • Private hospital transfers
  • Rehabilitation centre transfers

Every journey is planned carefully to ensure patient comfort and safety.

Can you transport patients between hospitals?

Yes.

Inter-hospital transfers are one of our most frequently requested services.

We regularly arrange transport for patients between:

  • NHS hospitals
  • Private hospitals
  • Specialist treatment centres
  • Rehabilitation facilities
  • Mental health facilities

Our crews ensure all relevant patient information accompanies the transfer where appropriate.

Can you transport patients from hospital to home?

Absolutely.

Arranging hospital discharge transport is one of our core services.

We assist patients who:

  • Cannot use standard transport
  • Require support entering their property
  • Need wheelchair transport
  • Have recently undergone surgery
  • Require oxygen during transport

Our providers help ensure a smooth and stress-free transition home.

Can you transport patients from a care home to hospital?

Yes.

We work closely with residential care homes, nursing homes, assisted living providers and supported living services throughout the UK.

We provide transport for:

  • Hospital appointments
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Diagnostic scans
  • Specialist consultations
  • Planned admissions

Care staff may accompany patients where clinically appropriate.

What is the difference between private patient transport and NHS patient transport?

NHS Patient Transport Services (PTS) are generally reserved for patients who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Private patient transport offers:

  • Greater flexibility
  • Faster bookings
  • Wider eligibility
  • Nationwide availability
  • Choice of transport type
  • Appointment-specific scheduling

Private transport is often chosen when NHS transport is unavailable, unsuitable, or unable to meet the patient's preferred timetable.

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Booking

How do I book patient transport?

Booking is simple.

You can:

Our team will assess the journey requirements and provide a personalised quotation.

How much notice do you need?

Where possible, we recommend providing at least 24 to 48 hours' notice.

However, we can often accommodate:

  • Same-day requests
  • Next-day bookings
  • Urgent hospital discharges
  • Unexpected appointment changes

Early booking provides greater vehicle availability and scheduling flexibility. If the designated provider cannot accommodate a change of journey detail the team at Book An Ambulance will find another one.

Can I book transport on the same day?

Yes, subject to vehicle and crew availability.

We understand medical appointments and discharges can arise unexpectedly.

Our operations team will always attempt to accommodate urgent same-day patient transport requests wherever safe and practical.

Do you offer emergency transport?

Private ambulance services are primarily designed for planned and pre-booked transport.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, you should always dial 999 immediately.

For urgent but non-emergency transport requirements, our team may be able to assist subject to vehicle availability and clinical suitability.

Can I make a booking online?

Yes.

BookAnAmbulance.co.uk provides an online booking and quotation process allowing customers to submit transport requests 24 hours a day.

Online booking helps us gather accurate transport information to ensure the correct vehicle and crew are assigned.

Can a family member book on behalf of a patient?

Yes.

Many bookings are made by:

  • Spouses
  • Children
  • Relatives
  • Friends
  • Carers
  • Attorneys acting under Power of Attorney

The booker simply needs to provide accurate information regarding the patient's condition and transport requirements.

What information do you need when booking?

To provide an accurate quotation we typically require:

  • Collection postcode
  • Destination postcode
  • Required date
  • Required time
  • Appointment time (if applicable)
  • Mobility status
  • Patient weight
  • Basic medical requirements
  • Oxygen requirements (if applicable)
  • Escort details
  • Return journey requirements
  • Contact information

After the initial quote is accepted the provider may request further details.

The more information provided the better we can tailor the service.

Can I arrange a return journey at the same time?

Yes.

Many customers prefer to arrange both outward and return transport during a single booking.

This ensures continuity and provides reassurance that return travel arrangements are already in place.

The Book An Ambulance form gives the option of the following journey types:

  • One Way
  • Wait and Return
  • Double Journey (to include the return trip)
  • Carry Only. This is where the requirement is a carry up or down stairs only.
Can I make a regular recurring booking?

Yes.

We support recurring patient transport requirements including:

  • Dialysis appointments
  • Chemotherapy treatment
  • Radiotherapy appointments
  • Physiotherapy sessions
  • Long-term outpatient treatment

Regular bookings can be scheduled weekly, monthly or according to treatment plans.

Can I amend or cancel my booking?

Yes.

We understand circumstances can change.

We ask customers to notify us as soon as possible if appointments change or cancellations are required. This enables us to reallocate resources efficiently and minimise disruption.

Cancellation terms may vary depending on the notice period given. Each provider will have their own cancellation policy.

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Cost and payment

How much does private patient transport cost?

The cost depends on several factors including:

  • Distance travelled
  • Patient condition
  • Vehicle type
  • Crew requirements
  • Stretcher requirements
  • Oxygen requirements
  • Waiting time

Each quote is personalised to ensure patients receive the most suitable service.

How is the price calculated?

Pricing is typically based on:

  • Mileage
  • Journey duration
  • Clinical requirements
  • Staffing levels
  • Equipment requirements
  • Collection and destination locations

For example, a wheelchair transfer generally differs in cost from a stretcher transfer requiring additional staff and specialist equipment.

Are there additional charges?

Additional charges may apply for:

  • Significant waiting time
  • Overnight journeys
  • Specialist medical equipment
  • Additional crew requirements
  • Long-distance transport
  • Bariatric transport

Any potential additional costs will be discussed during the quotation process.

Do you provide fixed quotes?

Yes.

Where sufficient information has been provided, we aim to provide fixed, transparent quotations so customers understand the expected costs before booking.

This helps eliminate unexpected charges and provides peace of mind. If the journey specification changes then the charges would be re-calculated.

Is VAT charged on patient transport?

Many patient transport services provided for medical purposes are exempt from VAT under current UK tax rules.

However, VAT treatment can vary depending on the precise nature of the transport and service provided.

Our team can explain the applicable VAT position during the quotation process.

What payment methods do you accept?

We typically accept:

  • Debit cards
  • Credit cards
  • Bank transfers
  • Invoice payments for approved organisations

Corporate, care home and healthcare accounts may also qualify for credit facilities subject to approval. Payment options will vary from provider to provider.

Can I pay by invoice?

Yes.

Subject to approval and the provider preferences, invoice facilities may be available for:

  • Care homes
  • Local authorities
  • NHS organisations
  • Private hospitals
  • Insurance companies
  • Corporate clients
  • Case management companies

Payment terms will be agreed before transport takes place.

Do you accept insurance-funded transport?

Yes.

Many health insurance providers and case management organisations arrange private patient transport for policyholders and clients.

We can work directly with insurers and authorised representatives where appropriate.

Are there discounts for regular bookings?

Patients requiring frequent journeys may benefit from tailored pricing arrangements.

This is particularly common for:

  • Dialysis patients
  • Oncology patients
  • Rehabilitation patients
  • Care home residents
  • Long-term treatment programmes

Please contact our team to discuss recurring transport requirements.

Is there a cancellation fee?

Cancellation fees may apply depending on the notice provided and the resources committed to the booking.

Where possible, we encourage customers to notify us immediately if plans change.

This allows the provider to minimise costs and reallocate transport resources efficiently while maintaining service availability for other patients.

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Who we arrange transport for

What types of patients can you arrange transport for?

We provide patient transport bookings for a wide range of patients requiring non-emergency medical transport throughout the UK.

This includes:

  • Elderly patients
  • Wheelchair users
  • Stretcher patients
  • Hospital discharge patients
  • Rehabilitation patients
  • Oncology patients
  • Dialysis patients
  • Private hospital patients
  • Care home residents
  • Patients requiring oxygen

Each journey is individually assessed to ensure the most appropriate vehicle, equipment and crew are allocated.

Can you arrange transport for elderly patients?

Yes.

Elderly patient transport is one of our most commonly requested services. Many older adults require additional support due to reduced mobility, frailty, balance issues, dementia, or recovery from illness.

Our provider crews provide assistance from door to door wherever possible and ensure patients travel comfortably, safely and with dignity.

We regularly arrange patient transport for elderly patients to:

  • Hospital appointments
  • Medical treatments
  • Specialist consultations
  • Care homes
  • Family visits
  • Respite facilities
Can you arrange transport for bariatric patients?

Yes.

We can arrange specialist bariatric patient transport for individuals who require enhanced safety measures, larger vehicles, specialist equipment or additional personnel.

Bariatric transport may include:

  • Wide wheelchairs
  • Bariatric stretchers
  • Additional securing systems
  • Multiple crew members
  • Larger access arrangements

Each booking is carefully planned to ensure safe and dignified transport.

Can you arrange transport for patients with dementia?

Yes.

We regularly support individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Our provider crews understand the importance of:

  • Clear communication
  • Patience
  • Familiar routines
  • Family involvement
  • Anxiety reduction

Where appropriate, a family member or carer may accompany the patient to provide reassurance throughout the journey.

Can you arrange transport for patients with learning disabilities?

Yes.

We arrange transport for individuals with learning disabilities and additional support needs.

Our team takes time to understand:

  • Communication preferences
  • Behavioural support requirements
  • Mobility needs
  • Escort arrangements
  • Environmental considerations

Our goal is to make every journey safe, calm and comfortable.

Can you arrange transport for patients requiring oxygen?

Yes.

Subject to clinical assessment, we can arrange transport for patients who require oxygen therapy during their journey.

When arranging oxygen-supported transport, our provider clinicians will assess:

  • Oxygen flow rates
  • Delivery methods
  • Journey duration
  • Clinical requirements
  • Backup oxygen requirements

This ensures continuity of care and safe transportation throughout the journey.

Can you arrange transport for palliative care patients?

Yes.

We can assist with palliative care transfers and understand that palliative care journeys require compassion, dignity and sensitivity.

Common journeys include:

  • Hospice admissions
  • Transfers between care settings
  • Home returns
  • Specialist consultations
  • Family visits

Our provider crews focus on patient comfort while supporting family members throughout the process.

Can you arrange transport for end-of-life patients?

Yes.

We can help arrange planned transport for patients receiving end-of-life care where appropriate.

These journeys are managed with exceptional care and respect, ensuring comfort and dignity remain the priority at all times.

Every transport arrangement is individually planned according to the patient's clinical and personal needs.

Can you arrange transport for children?

Yes.

Paediatric patient transport can be arranged for children attending:

  • Hospital appointments
  • Specialist treatment centres
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Diagnostic investigations
  • Scheduled admissions

Parents or guardians are normally encouraged to accompany the child unless alternative arrangements have been agreed.

Can you arrange transport for mental health patients?

Yes.

We can assist with certain mental health patient transport requirements depending on the individual's clinical condition, risk assessment and journey requirements.

Where additional support is needed, bespoke transport solutions may be arranged to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both the patient and accompanying personnel.

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Mobility and equipment

Can wheelchair users travel?

Absolutely.

Wheelchair-accessible patient transport is one of our core services.

Our provider vehicles are equipped to safely accommodate many types of wheelchairs, allowing patients to travel comfortably without needing to transfer from their chair.

We recommend advising our booking team of:

  • Wheelchair dimensions
  • Wheelchair type
  • Patient weight
  • Powered wheelchair requirements
Do patients need to transfer into a vehicle seat?

Not always.

Many patients remain in:

  • Their wheelchair
  • A transport chair
  • A specialist seating system

Where transfers are required, our provider crews can assist when clinically appropriate and safe to do so.

The transport solution will be tailored to the patient's mobility level and clinical needs.

Can you arrange transport for stretcher patients?

Yes.

We can arrange stretcher ambulance transport for patients who are unable to travel in a seated position.

Common reasons include:

  • Recent surgery
  • Serious illness
  • Reduced mobility
  • Orthopaedic injuries
  • Complex clinical conditions

Stretcher vehicles are designed to maximise comfort and safety throughout the journey.

Do you arrange transfers to include carry chairs?

Yes.

Our providers will use carry chairs where access restrictions make wheelchair movement difficult.

Examples include:

  • Apartment buildings
  • Narrow hallways
  • Stair access
  • Restricted entrances

A risk assessment will determine whether a carry chair is suitable and safe for the particular patient.

Can you help arrange patients down stairs?

In some circumstances, yes.

The ability to assist with stair access depends upon:

  • Patient weight
  • Mobility
  • Clinical condition
  • Stair configuration
  • Available equipment
  • Crew resources

A risk assessment is always conducted to ensure the safety of both the patient and staff.

How many staff attend the transport?

The crew size depends on the patient's requirements.

Transports may involve:

  • Single crew member services
  • Two-person clinical crews
  • Additional clinical personnel
  • Specialist bariatric teams

The appropriate staffing level is determined during the booking assessment process.

Can you arrange transport for bedbound patients?

Yes.

We regularly arrange patient transport for bedbound patients using stretcher-equipped vehicles.

This service is suitable for patients who:

  • Cannot sit upright comfortably
  • Have severe mobility limitations
  • Are recovering from surgery
  • Require continuous positioning support

Our provider crews ensure bedbound patients remain comfortable throughout the journey.

Can you arrange transport for patients with limited mobility?

Yes.

Many of the patients we arrange transport for have mobility limitations but do not require a stretcher.

We can arrange:

  • Assisted walking support
  • Wheelchair transport
  • Door-to-door assistance
  • Additional boarding support

The service is tailored according to individual requirements.

What equipment do your providers carry?

The equipment available depends on the vehicle type and transport requirements.

Equipment may include:

  • Wheelchairs
  • Stretchers
  • First aid equipment
  • Oxygen systems
  • Patient securing equipment
  • Moving and handling aids
  • Monitoring equipment on selected vehicles

Specific requirements should be discussed during booking.

Do you provide quotations for bariatric equipment transfers?

Yes.

Where required, specialist bariatric equipment can be arranged, including:

  • Bariatric wheelchairs
  • Bariatric stretchers
  • Larger transport vehicles
  • Specialist restraint systems
  • Enhanced moving and handling equipment

Advance notice helps ensure the correct resources are allocated.

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Clinical care on the journey

Are the patient transport staff medically trained?

Yes.

Our provider teams consist of healthcare professionals trained to support patients with varying mobility and medical needs.

Depending on the service provided, personnel may include:

  • Ambulance care assistants
  • Emergency care assistants
  • Technicians
  • Nurses
  • Paramedics

The level of staffing depends on the patient's clinical requirements.

Are the patient transport staff registered clinicians?

Some transports require registered healthcare professionals, while others do not.

Where clinically necessary, journeys can be staffed by registered healthcare professionals with appropriate qualifications and experience.

The required staffing model is determined during the booking process.

Can a paramedic accompany the patient?

Yes.

Where clinical needs indicate, we can arrange transport with a paramedic or other appropriately qualified clinician in attendance.

This may be suitable for patients requiring a higher level of observation or support during transport.

Can oxygen be provided during transport?

Yes.

Oxygen-assisted patient transport can be arranged subject to clinical assessment and operational requirements.

Our team will assess:

  • Oxygen requirements
  • Journey duration
  • Clinical condition
  • Monitoring requirements

The appropriate oxygen provision is then planned accordingly.

Can the clinicians monitor vital signs?

Where clinically required and supported by the transport specification, vital signs monitoring can be provided.

Monitoring may include:

  • Pulse rate
  • Blood pressure
  • Oxygen saturation
  • Respiratory rate

Specific clinical requirements should be discussed during the booking process.

Can you arrange transport for patients with intravenous infusions?

In many cases, yes.

Transport involving intravenous therapy requires assessment of:

  • Infusion type
  • Stability of the patient
  • Journey duration
  • Required clinical supervision

The clinical team will determine the most suitable transport arrangement.

Can the transport carry patient medication?

Yes.

Patient medication can usually travel with the patient where appropriate and correctly packaged.

It is important that medication details are discussed with a clinician during booking to ensure suitable arrangements are made.

Can you support patients with feeding tubes?

Yes.

Patients requiring enteral feeding systems such as PEG tubes can often be transported safely following appropriate assessment.

Details regarding equipment, feeding schedules and clinical support should be provided before travel.

What happens if the patient's condition deteriorates?

Patient safety is a priority.

Ambulance crews are trained to recognise signs of deterioration and follow established clinical procedures.

The specific response will depend upon:

  • Clinical presentation
  • Crew qualifications
  • Patient condition
  • Location

Emergency services may be contacted where necessary to ensure appropriate medical care is provided.

Are all patient transport vehicles equipped for emergencies?

Many patient transport vehicles carry equipment appropriate to the level of service they provide.

Equipment may include:

  • Oxygen
  • First aid supplies
  • Communication systems
  • Patient monitoring equipment
  • Emergency response equipment on certain vehicles

The exact equipment available depends on the vehicle category and clinical specification of the transport booked.

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Appointments and treatment

Can you arrange patient transport to take me to a hospital appointment?

Yes.

We regularly arrange transport for patients to NHS and private hospital appointments throughout the UK.

Our ambulance booking service is ideal for patients who:

  • Have limited mobility
  • Cannot drive themselves
  • Require wheelchair access
  • Need assistance throughout the journey
  • Prefer travelling with healthcare-trained professionals

We aim to ensure patients arrive safely and on time for their appointments.

Can you arrange transport for me for dialysis?

Yes.

Dialysis transport is one of the most common recurring medical transport services we can help with.

We understand that dialysis patients often require:

  • Reliable scheduling
  • Regular transport arrangements
  • Comfortable travel conditions
  • Assistance entering and exiting facilities

We can arrange both one-off and long-term transport programmes for dialysis treatment.

Can you arrange to transport me for chemotherapy?

Yes.

We can arrange transport for patients attending chemotherapy treatment at hospitals, cancer centres and specialist oncology clinics. These bookings are likely to be arranged as Wait and Return journeys.

Our provider crews understand that chemotherapy patients may experience:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Weakness
  • Reduced mobility

We focus on providing safe, supportive and comfortable transport before and after treatment.

Can you arrange transport for me for radiotherapy?

Yes.

Radiotherapy often requires multiple appointments over several weeks. We can arrange both individual journeys and recurring transport schedules to help ensure patients attend treatment consistently and comfortably.

Can you arrange to take me to outpatient appointments?

Yes.

We arrange transport for patients to a wide range of outpatient services including:

  • Consultant appointments
  • Diagnostic imaging
  • Physiotherapy
  • Specialist clinics
  • Follow-up reviews
  • Day treatment units

Flexible collection times help ensure patients arrive promptly for their appointments.

Can you arrange discharge transport?

Absolutely.

Hospital discharge transport is one of our core services.

We can support patients being discharged from:

  • NHS hospitals
  • Private hospitals
  • Rehabilitation units
  • Community hospitals
  • Specialist treatment centres

Our provider crews assist patients safely from ward to destination where appropriate.

Can you wait during an appointment?

In many cases, yes.

Waiting and return services can be arranged depending on:

  • Appointment duration
  • Vehicle availability
  • Location
  • Operational requirements

For shorter appointments, retaining the vehicle may be more convenient than arranging separate transport bookings.

Can you arrange for private patient transport to collect me after surgery?

Yes.

We regularly arrange transport for patients following:

  • Orthopaedic surgery
  • Cosmetic surgery
  • Day case procedures
  • Ophthalmic surgery
  • General surgery

Where postoperative restrictions apply, the provider will ensure the appropriate vehicle and level of assistance are provided.

Can you arrange to transfer me between hospitals?

Yes.

Inter-hospital transfer services are available for planned patient movements between medical facilities.

Reasons for transfer may include:

  • Specialist treatment
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Continuing care
  • Clinical investigations
  • Access to specialist consultants

Every transfer is planned around the patient's clinical and mobility requirements.

Can you arrange to transport me to specialist treatment centres?

Yes.

We regularly arrange long-distance patient transport to specialist centres across the UK including:

  • Cancer treatment centres
  • Neurological units
  • Cardiac hospitals
  • Rehabilitation centres
  • Orthopaedic specialist hospitals

Nationwide transport can be arranged from almost any location.

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Family, escorts and belongings

Can a relative travel with the patient?

In most cases, yes.

A relative may accompany the patient subject to vehicle capacity, operational considerations and clinical requirements.

Having a familiar person present often provides reassurance and emotional support during the journey.

How many escorts can travel?

The number of escorts depends on:

  • Vehicle type
  • Seating capacity
  • Patient requirements
  • Equipment being transported

Our booking team can confirm available escort seating when arranging the transport.

Can a carer accompany the patient?

Yes.

We encourage carers to travel where appropriate, particularly when they provide:

  • Personal care support
  • Communication assistance
  • Emotional reassurance
  • Clinical background information

Please advise us during booking if a carer intends to travel.

Can a parent travel with a child?

Yes.

For paediatric transport, parents or guardians are generally encouraged to accompany the child wherever possible.

This helps provide comfort, reassurance and continuity of support throughout the journey.

Can a support worker accompany the patient?

Yes.

Support workers accompanying patients with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health conditions or complex needs are usually welcome subject to available seating.

Are assistance dogs permitted?

Yes.

Certified assistance dogs are generally permitted to travel with patients.

Please advise our team during booking so appropriate arrangements can be made, ensuring comfort and safety for all passengers.

Can personal belongings travel with the patient?

Yes.

Reasonable personal belongings can usually travel with the patient.

Examples include:

  • Handbags
  • Mobile phones
  • Clothing
  • Mobility aids
  • Essential medical items

Large volumes of luggage should be discussed in advance. Any luggage or personal belongings would need to be safe to transport.

Can luggage be transported?

Yes.

Where vehicle capacity allows, luggage can often accompany the patient.

This is particularly common for:

  • Hospital admissions
  • Care home admissions
  • Rehabilitation transfers
  • Airport medical transfers

Please provide details of any large items at the time of booking. Any luggage or personal belongings would need to be safe to transport.

Will family receive updates during the journey?

Where appropriate and authorised by the patient, updates can often be provided regarding journey progress and expected arrival times.

Patient confidentiality and data protection requirements are always respected.

Can someone meet the crew on arrival?

Yes.

Many customers arrange for a relative, carer, care home representative or healthcare professional to meet the patient at their destination.

This can help provide a smooth handover and continuity of care.

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Safety and standards

Is your service CQC registered?

Where required by law and the services being delivered, providers should hold the appropriate registrations and regulatory approvals.

Customers are encouraged to verify registration status and scope of regulated activities when selecting a patient transport provider.

Book An Ambulance works to maintain high standards of governance, safety and patient care.

Are the ambulance staff DBS checked?

Staff involved in patient transport services should undergo appropriate background checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) screening where required by their role.

This supports patient safeguarding and helps maintain public trust.

Are your vehicles insured?

All patient transport vehicles should operate with appropriate insurance cover relevant to the services they provide.

This typically includes cover relating to:

  • Vehicle operation
  • Passenger transport
  • Public liability
  • Employer liability
What infection control measures do ambulance providers use?

Patient safety is a priority.

Infection prevention measures may include:

  • Routine vehicle cleaning
  • Clinical disinfection procedures
  • Hand hygiene protocols
  • Personal protective equipment where required
  • Waste disposal procedures
  • Cross-infection control measures

Additional precautions may be implemented depending on patient requirements.

Are patient transport vehicles regularly serviced?

Patient transport vehicles are maintained in accordance with planned maintenance schedules and safety inspection programmes.

Regular servicing helps ensure:

  • Reliability
  • Patient comfort
  • Vehicle safety
  • Equipment functionality
Do ambulance service providers have safeguarding procedures?

Safeguarding policies help protect:

  • Children
  • Vulnerable adults
  • Elderly patients
  • Individuals with disabilities

Staff receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role and responsibilities.

Are patients secured during transport?

Patient safety systems are used throughout transportation by ambulance service providers.

Depending on the mode of transport, this may include:

  • Wheelchair securing systems
  • Stretcher restraint systems
  • Seat belts
  • Vehicle safety equipment

These measures help ensure patients travel safely and comfortably.

What training do ambulance staff receive?

Training requirements vary depending on role but may include:

  • Patient handling
  • Safeguarding
  • Infection prevention
  • First aid
  • Clinical skills
  • Risk assessment
  • Health and safety
  • Communication skills
  • Dementia awareness

Ongoing professional development helps maintain high standards of patient care.

Do you need to be licensed to provide patient transport?

Patient transport providers must comply with applicable legislation, regulations and operational requirements relevant to the services they deliver.

Customers should ensure any provider they use is appropriately authorised, insured and qualified to undertake patient transport services.

What happens in an emergency?

If a patient experiences a medical emergency during transport, ambulance staff will follow established emergency procedures.

Actions may include:

  • Assessing the situation
  • Providing immediate support within their scope of practice
  • Contacting emergency services
  • Escalating to higher levels of clinical care
  • Ensuring rapid access to appropriate medical assistance

Patient wellbeing and safety remain the overriding priority at all times.

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Airports, repatriation and specialist journeys

Do you arrange airport medical transfers?

Yes.

We arrange private medical transport to and from airports throughout the UK.

Airport medical transfers are suitable for patients who:

  • Have limited mobility
  • Require wheelchair assistance
  • Require stretcher transport
  • Need oxygen support
  • Are travelling after surgery
  • Require clinical escorts

We regularly arrange transport for patients to and from major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Stansted, Luton, Bristol and Edinburgh.

Can you arrange transport for patients internationally?

Yes.

Subject to the patient's clinical condition, destination and travel requirements, international patient transport can be arranged.

This may involve:

  • Ground ambulance transport
  • Airport transfers
  • Medical escorts
  • International medical logistics
  • Cross-border transport planning

Each international journey is individually assessed and planned.

Do you arrange repatriation services?

Yes.

Medical repatriation services may be available for patients returning home following illness, injury or treatment away from their usual place of residence.

Repatriation arrangements can include:

  • Airport transfers
  • Hospital transfers
  • Care home transfers
  • Medical escorts
  • Long-distance ambulance services

Every repatriation request is assessed according to the patient's medical requirements and destination. The Book An Ambulance team specialise in arranging medical repatriations from Europe back to the UK and from the UK into Europe.

Can you arrange transport for patients to cruises and ports?

Yes.

We can arrange transport to:

  • Cruise terminals
  • Ferry terminals
  • Seaports
  • Maritime transport hubs

Our service is particularly useful for passengers requiring mobility assistance, wheelchair transport or support with luggage and embarkation logistics.

Can you arrange transport for patients to care homes?

Yes.

We regularly arrange transport for patients moving to:

  • Residential care homes
  • Nursing homes
  • Specialist care facilities
  • Supported living environments
  • Rehabilitation centres

We work closely with families, care providers and healthcare professionals to ensure a smooth transfer process.

Can you provide event medical transport?

Yes.

In addition to patient transport services, specialist medical transport support may be available for:

  • Sporting events
  • Public events
  • Corporate functions
  • Community events
  • Private gatherings

Services can be tailored according to event size, risk profile and medical requirements.

Can you arrange transport for patients after cosmetic surgery?

Yes.

Many patients choose private patient transport following cosmetic procedures due to temporary mobility restrictions and post-operative recovery requirements.

Common procedures include:

  • Cosmetic surgery
  • Plastic surgery
  • Dental surgery
  • Eye surgery
  • Day-case procedures

We help ensure patients travel home safely and comfortably following treatment.

Can you arrange secure mental health transport?

Depending on the patient's circumstances and assessed requirements, specialist mental health transport solutions may be available.

Transport arrangements are planned with consideration for:

  • Patient safety
  • Clinical needs
  • Legal requirements
  • Risk assessments
  • Escort requirements

Each case is reviewed individually to determine the most appropriate solution.

Can you arrange transport for patients after hip or knee replacement surgery?

Yes.

Following orthopaedic surgery, many patients require additional assistance due to:

  • Reduced mobility
  • Pain
  • Walking restrictions
  • Rehabilitation equipment

Ambulance transport provides a safer and more comfortable alternative to public transport or standard taxis during recovery.

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Quotes and managing your booking

How quickly can I get a quote?

In most cases, quotations can be provided quickly once we receive the required journey information.

To avoid delays, we recommend completing our quick quotation form www.bookanambulance.co.uk/get-a-quote

Our team aims to respond promptly to all enquiries.

Can I obtain a quote online?

Yes.

BookAnAmbulance.co.uk allows customers to request quotations online 24 hours a day.

Our online quotation system provides a convenient way to submit patient transport requirements and receive a tailored response from our booking team.

What information do I need for a quote?

To provide an accurate quotation, we typically require:

  • Contact details
  • Collection postcode
  • Destination postcode
  • Date and time of travel
  • Mobility status
  • Patient weight
  • Access details
  • Wheelchair requirements
  • Stretcher requirements
  • Oxygen requirements
  • Escort requirements
  • Return journey details

Providing complete information helps us deliver an accurate and efficient quotation.

Is the quote fixed?

Where all relevant information has been provided, quotations are generally offered as fixed prices.

If journey requirements change after booking, the quotation may need to be reviewed and updated accordingly.

We always aim to maintain transparent and fair pricing.

Can I upload medical information securely?

Where medical information is required to assess transport suitability, information should be submitted through secure channels in accordance with applicable data protection requirements. This can be sent directly to the ambulance provider for clinical review.

This helps ensure patient confidentiality and appropriate transport planning.

Will I receive booking confirmation immediately?

Booking confirmations are normally issued once:

  • Journey details have been verified
  • Resources have been allocated
  • Payment arrangements have been agreed where applicable

Confirmation details typically include collection times, booking references and contact information.

Can I track my booking?

Where available, our team can provide updates regarding booking status and expected collection times.

The availability of tracking services may vary depending on the type of transport and operational arrangements.

How do I contact the transport crew?

Communication arrangements vary depending on the booking type.

In many cases, customers will receive contact information for the relevant coordination team who can provide updates and facilitate communication where appropriate.

What happens if my appointment changes?

We understand that medical appointments are frequently rescheduled.

If your appointment changes, please contact us as soon as possible.

We will make every reasonable effort to amend transport arrangements and minimise disruption to your care journey.

Can I book transport outside normal business hours?

Yes.

Subject to availability, private patient transport can be arranged outside standard office hours, including:

  • Early morning appointments
  • Evening appointments
  • Overnight journeys
  • Weekend transport
  • Bank holiday transport

Advance booking is recommended whenever possible, although urgent requests may also be accommodated subject to operational availability.

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Ready to book?

Get a personalised quote.

Quotes available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Tell us what you need — we'll handle the rest.

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