Patient Transport Service
To book patient transport call 0300 123 1236.
Please contact the surgery reception if you feel you are unable to request patient transport yourself.
Ambulance transport is available for patients who:
- require assistance from skilled ambulance staff
- have a medical condition that would prevent them from travelling to hospital by any other means
- have a medical condition that might put them at risk from harm if they were to travel independently
- have mobility difficulties that require the assistance of ambulance care staff
- are attending hospital for treatment that might have side effects and require ambulance care on the return journey
More information on the patient transport service is available from the Scottish Ambulance Service website.
North Argyll Voluntary Car Scheme (NAVCS)
If you are not eligible for the patient transport service but do not have the use of a car and find it difficult or awkward to use public transport, you may be able to receive help from the North Argyll Voluntary Car Scheme. The scheme covers the Community Council areas of Seil, Luing, Kilninver and Kilmelford, Glenorchy, Innishail, Taynuilt, Kilchrenan and Dalavich.
Users of the car scheme may be taken to the local GP surgery, lunch clubs, church and cemetery, Community Council meetings, social functions, and into Oban for shopping, dementia clubs, to visit family or friends, to the dentist, optician, hairdresser, library, banks, post office, lawyers, church, and even with their animals, to the vet. Passengers make a small donation as a contribution towards journey costs.
To access the scheme contact 01852 200 760 which carries a call-minding messaging service or alternatively call Caroline Gillanders, journey co-ordinator, 01852 200388 or visit the scheme webpage.
British Red Cross Transport and Escort Service
The purpose of the service is to assist those in need, including those with disabilities, with access to centres of amenity and recreation. The British Red Cross does not operate any eligibility criteria and will welcome requests from any sections or groups within the community. The British Red Cross will also assist with movement to and from hospital if the Patient Transport Service cannot provide transport.
At present the service operates in Mid Argyll, including South Kintyre. It does not operate on a scheduled or fixed route. Transport requests are made via the point of contact at the British Red Cross Centre in Lochgilphead.
Current resources consist of 2 wheelchair accessible 14 seater minibuses with lowered entry steps.
In order to meet overheads, charges will be raised and these can be discussed with the Transport Manager at the time of enquiry.
For further information please contact:
The Transport Manager at Lochgilphead Tel 01546 602386.
Office hours are 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
The Cherish Fun
Set up by John & Jean Bowman in memory of their daughter, The Cherish Fund runs similarly like the British Red Cross service. Volunteer drivers can take patients to hospital appointments in the local area or to Glasgow etc. Patients must be eligible for the service meaning they have no way of getting to appointments themselves and not eligible for the patient transport system. The Cherish Fund do not charge for this service but can take donations towards the fund.
If you would like to apply to The Cherish Fund for support, or would like to find out more information about the service, please contact Linda Duncan at North Argyll Carers Centre 01631 564422.