MSP, Jackie Baillie, has revealed that hundreds of patients were turned down for patient transport through the Scottish Ambulance Service and hundreds more had their transport cancelled at the last minute due to an increasing demand for the service.

An FOI response from the Scottish Ambulance Service shows that 781 patients from the Vale of Leven Hospital catchment area had their requests for patient transport turned down last year. And an additional 140 patients had their patient transport cancelled 24 hours in advance of their appointment.

The service states that one of the key reasons for patient transport not being able to meet the requests of patients is because a significant number of patients are travelling further distances for treatment.

Jackie said:

“Vulnerable patients are being left without transport to hospital appointments as the Scottish Ambulance Service is struggling to keep up with the increasing demand.

“This further highlights the need for health services to be available for patients locally. It is very difficult for patients from the Vale of Leven hospital catchment area to make it to appointments on the other side of the river, and especially so when they are ill.

“The Scottish Ambulance Service need to invest in more vehicles and staff to cope with the increased demand and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde need to rethink their plans to centralise services.”

ENDS