4.9 Google reviews
Stretcher Transport
For patients who need to lie down for the journey.
Private, non-emergency patient transport. In an emergency, call 999.
Stretcher Transport with Book An Ambulance
Stretcher transport is for patients who can’t sit upright safely or comfortably — after surgery, during serious illness, or when they’re bedbound. The patient travels lying down in a stretcher ambulance, with a crew to move them safely at each end.
Tell us how the patient mobilises today and about any stairs, lifts or narrow doorways. The crew size and equipment depend on it, and it lets providers quote accurately the first time.
We arrange stretcher journeys for discharges, hospital transfers, care home moves and long-distance repatriation within the UK.
What we can arrange
- Stretcher ambulances, usually with a two-person crew
- Transfers from bed to stretcher
- Oxygen during the journey, where needed
- Long-distance stretcher journeys
- A relative travelling with the patient, where there’s room
Who it’s for
- Bedbound patients
- Patients recovering from surgery or orthopaedic injury
- Palliative and end-of-life journeys
- Transfers between hospitals and care settings
Who it’s for
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1
Tell us about the journey
Where from, where to, when, and how the patient moves about. It takes a few minutes, at any time of day.
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2
We source your quote
We put the journey to providers in our network and send you a quote before you commit to anything.
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Accept and relax
Accept and pay online. Your journey coordinator confirms the crew and vehicle and keeps you updated.
Stretcher Transport: common questions
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.
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 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 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.
You may also need
- Hospital Discharge Transport Getting home, or to the next ward, without waiting days for a bed-to-door journey. Learn more
- Bariatric Patient Transport Safe, dignified transport with the right vehicle, equipment and crew. Learn more
- Long Distance Patient Transport From one end of the country to the other, in one journey. Learn more
Trusted by patients, families & care professionals
Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Google as Vecta Healthcare, the company behind Book An Ambulance.
“We used Vecta Healthcare to bring my 93 year old father in law from Scotland to Stockport. Right from the start Ian was very responsive. He answered questions and was clear and very helpful. When we were let down the day before the move he quickly found another company and crew. The crew were really good. They really took care of him. 10/10 to all 3 of them.”
“My husband had an important appointment at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and needed to travel from his rehabilitation centre in Northamptonshire to London. The usual patient transport could not guarantee arrival on time for his appointment, so I approached Vecta Healthcare. They responded straight away arranged everything in a professional, friendly and client-focused way. My husband’s travel to London and his return journey both went smoothly. Due to unforeseen circumstances his hospital discharge date and time have changed but Vecta Healthcare staff were great in managing this change, communicating and reassuring me when I was in a bit of a panic. The ambulance crews were fantastic. We made to the hospital on time and safely and timely back to my husband’s rehabilitation centre. Great service, well worth it. We would definitely use again and highly recommend.”
“Can't fault this friendly, efficient and compassionate service”
“Wonderful caring service. I would definitely use again if I needed a private ambulance service.”
“At an extremely stressful time for our family Vecta arranged a private ambulance for my bed bound father with very little notice. The communication was excellent, costs clear and value for a very skilled job the crew did with the steps and narrow door ways. More than this though- every member of the team- by phone, for payment, the crew- showed so much compassion for us all. Can’t recommend enough.”
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