Sudden changes to health transport

ON Thursday, September 26, Marie Bristow raised concerns on Facebook, saying that just a day earlier, local patients receiving dialysis at Seymour had been advised that they would no longer have transport to and from their treatment paid for through Non-Emergency Patient Transport, run by Ambulance Victoria.

Marie said that without the support, people needing the treatment from Alexandra would need to pay almost $350 for each return trip in taxi if family and friends or volunteer drivers are not available, and they need treatment three times each week, for three to five hours each. This is obviously untenable for people on pensions or similar.

It’s understood that the changes may also impact people receiving cancer treatments or transplant treatments, if they don’t meet the criteria determined by Ambulance Victoria.

This tightening of the rules is likely to have an enormous impact on patients, particularly those living in regional areas, away from large hospitals.
Ambulance Victoria were contacted about the issue.

Executive Director Specialist Operations and Coordination (Acting), Michael Georgiou said, “There has been no change to eligibility for NEPT.

These rules ensure it’s available for those who need clinical care during transport and help ambulance services focus on the sickest Victorians first.

“Each time NEPT is used for someone who doesn’t need clinical care, it puts extra pressure on paramedics and we’re working with health services to ensure bookings follow the rules and to share other transport options, like public transport, taxis, or community services.”

Ambulance Victoria also advised that Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT) is for patients who….

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