The
RSVP Patient Support Group offer to transport patients, particularly the
elderly, who find it difficult to get to and from their appointments. They
will also be able to assist patients who have a problem picking up prescriptions.
All members of the Patient Support Group are volunteers who give up their time
for the benefit of fellow patients. Although there is no specific charge for
this service, patients are encouraged to make a donation whenever possible to
defray expenses. Suggested donations - £2 within Barnard
Castle, £6 to Darlington or Bishop Auckland.
To request transport
with RSVP please phone (01833) 690408 at least 2 working days before transport
is required.
What
is Travel Response?
Previously, non-emergency
ambulance transport was booked by your doctor’s surgery and patients who didn’t
qualify had to make their own arrangements for travel to appointments. Travel
Response is a new approach that provides one number for you to call for information
on nonemergency travel to hospital.
How
can Travel Response Help?
The Travel Response Centre
will advise you on the travel options whenever you need to travel to and from
hospital.
You may be eligible for
free non-emergency ambulance transport. If you are not eligible, Travel
Response will help you find the most appropriate alternative, for example the
new Dales Hospital Link,Community
Transport Service, local bus or taxi.
If you are eligible to
reclaim the cost of your travel this continues to be assessed by the hospital.
Who
can use Travel Response?
Anyone can use the service
as long as they are travelling to or from hospital and live in qualifying parts
of Teesdale and Weardale. However it is particularly appropriate if you
·
have
a medical condition,
·
are
a carer accompanying someone to an appointment,
·
wish
to visit someone in hospital,
·
are a staff member requiring transport.
How
do I contact Travel Response?
Travel Response is open
8.30am until 5.30pm
Monday
toThursday. 8.30am until 4.30pm Friday.
Ring …
(0191) 383 5383
A minicom
number is also available …
(0191) 383 6472
If you wish to cancel your
booking outside ofTravel Response opening times an
out of hours cancellation number is available. Just
call …
(0191) 383 5372
... and
leave a message.
(0191)
383 5383 and (0191) 372 5372 are not premium rate numbers.Normal
charges apply.
What
is The Dales Hospital Link?
The Dales Hospital Link is
a flexible bus service linking Teesdale andWeardale
with Darlington Memorial Hospital and Bishop Auckland Hospital. Pre-booking
using Travel Response is essential on the service.
Who
can use Hospital Link ?
Anyone can use the service
as long as they are travelling to or from hospital and live in parts of
Teesdale andWeardale within the scope of the scheme.
Hospital
Link Fares
£2.50
per single journey (children under 14 years £1).
Concessionary passes are
valid on this service.
If you are eligible to
reclaim the cost of your travel, this continues to be assessed by the hospital.
How
to Book
Pre-booking on this service
is essential.
Contact the Travel Response Centre
(0191) 383 5383 to make your booking and you will be given a half hour ‘window’
in which you will be picked up.
Download a leaflet with details of
Travel Response and Dales Hospital Link by clicking here.
(If your browser does not display the leaflet then right click and
choose “Save Target As’ to download file to your own computer)