Clinical teams are reminded of the importance of identifying and communicating any actual or potential pressure care needs when arranging non-emergency patient transport (NEPT) on behalf of patients.
Most patients referred for NHS-funded healthcare services are expected to travel independently using private or public transport, with support from family or friends where appropriate. However, patients who meet the national eligibility criteria and whose clinical needs require supported transport may be entitled to access NEPT.Where GP practices or clinical teams are booking NEPT on behalf of a patient, please ensure that the NEPT call handler is informed of any known or potential pressure care issues. Sharing this information enables the transport provider to make appropriate arrangements to support the patient's safety, comfort and clinical needs during their journey.
This reminder follows learning identified through a safeguarding review undertaken by the Hillingdon Safeguarding Adults Board after a patient developed a pressure ulcer during a non-Emergency Patient Transport journey. One of the recommendations from the review was to strengthen the booking process by ensuring patients' skin integrity needs are consistently identified and communicated to the transport provider, helping to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
Please see the crib sheet (Word) and national eligibility criteria (PDF) for further information.
For questions about the Non-Emergency Patient Transport booking process or eligibility, please email Mark Browne.