Overview

This bill mandates better coordination of patient transport services in England and Wales. It aims to improve efficiency and economy in providing transport for patients attending NHS hospitals and healthcare facilities by requiring cooperation between Primary Care Trusts, hospital trusts, and local transport authorities.

Description

The Patient Transport Bill outlines the responsibilities of various NHS bodies regarding patient transport. Specifically:

• Cooperation Mandate: Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), hospital trusts, and local transport authorities must cooperate to coordinate patient transport services.
• Efficiency and Economy: In their coordination efforts, these bodies must prioritize efficiency and economy, considering both user needs and service provider aspects.
• Annual Reporting: All three groups are required to include details of their cooperation in their annual reports.
• Definitions: The bill defines "local transport authorities" (as per the Transport Act 2000) and "Primary Care Trusts" (as per the National Health Service Act 2006).
• Commencement and Scope: The Act will come into force on a date set by the Secretary of State and applies to England and Wales only.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The intended impact is to improve efficiency and potentially reduce costs through better coordination of existing services. However, no specific figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Primary Care Trusts (PCTs): Responsible for coordinating services and reporting on their efforts.
• Hospital Trusts: Responsible for coordinating services and reporting on their efforts.
• Local Transport Authorities: Responsible for coordinating services with PCTs and hospital trusts.
• Patients: Potentially benefit from more efficient and economical transport services.
• Patient Transport Service Providers: May see changes to how they contract and operate, potentially impacting their efficiency and profitability.

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