Overview

This bill aims to improve the efficiency and economy of patient transport services in England and Wales by mandating cooperation between Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), hospital trusts, and local transport authorities. It requires these bodies to coordinate patient transport with other passenger transport services and report annually on their efforts.

Description

The Patient Transport Bill establishes a legal duty for PCTs, hospital trusts, and local transport authorities to collaborate on coordinating patient transport services. This collaboration must consider both user needs and cost-effectiveness.

Key Aspects:

• Coordination Mandate: The bill makes it a legal obligation for the named organizations to work together to improve the efficiency and economy of patient transport.
• Efficiency and Economy Focus: The coordination must take into account the needs of both patients and the service providers.
• Annual Reporting: Each organization must report annually on their coordination efforts.
• Geographic Scope: The bill applies to England and Wales only.
• Definitions: The bill explicitly defines "local transport authorities" and "Primary Care Trusts," using existing legislation.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly allocate specific funds. Its impact on government spending is indirect, potentially leading to savings through improved efficiency in patient transport services if successful. No precise figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Patients: Potentially affected by improved or worsened transport services depending on the success of the coordination efforts.
• Primary Care Trusts (PCTs): Required to cooperate and report on their coordination efforts.
• Hospital Trusts: Required to cooperate and report on their coordination efforts.
• Local Transport Authorities: Required to cooperate and report on their coordination efforts.
• Patient Transport Service Providers: May experience changes in demand and operational procedures as a result of the increased coordination.

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