LINks Newsletter copy - March 2013
From Monday 1 April 2013, Arriva Transport Solutions Limited (ATSL) will take over the contract to provide non-emergency patient transport services (PTS) across Greater Manchester. PTS will operate to a new contract specification, improving levels of quality for patients through:
Consistent application of eligibility criteria to ensure equitable access to the service Modernisation of the model for patient transport provision ensuring improvements in the journey waiting and collection times A consistent approach to booking transport A dedicated focus on frequent users of the services such as Oncology and Renal patients with a new ‘Enhanced Priority Service (EPS)’ offering even shorter waiting and collection times An advanced patient notification service regarding booked transport in the form of an SMS message or telephone call Extended operating hours from 08.00 to 18.00 Mondays to Fridays. (07.00 to 01.00 Mondays to Saturdays for EPS)
Arriva Transport Solutions Ltd (ASTL) has over 20 years of experience providing dedicated patient transport services across the UK. From April 2013 we will be operating a brand new fleet of 140 ambulances and ambulance cars taking patients between their homes and treatment centres all over Greater Manchester on behalf of the NHS. ATSL has invested in latest up-to-date technology and all vehicles are being built to the latest specification and offer the highest standards of comfort. Our employees are specialist non-emergency patient transport crews, many of which have transferred from the NHS and all receive the highest levels of training ranging from patient care and dignity through to emergency technician level qualifications. ATSL is dedicated to working closely with the NHS and patient groups to deliver outstanding service quality. At ATSL, we aim to provide an excellent level of service to patients across Greater Manchester, by reducing waiting times and journey times for patients and reducing the number of wasted journeys through our ‘book when ready’ service. ATSL is developing a suite of information materials to inform patients and their carers/relatives of the details of the service that we will offer and to answer any queries they may have. A patient charter is also being drafted to outline what patients can expect from us and what we need from them. These materials will be made available to GP practices, hospital waiting rooms and PALS departments within acute trusts. If you would like to receive copies of these materials for further cascade or would like to suggest alternative locations where we should make these available, please let us know at arrivatransportsolutions@arriva.co.uk. If you would like us to come out and meet with you and your colleagues, please contact Asiya Jelani at jelania@arriva.co.uk