Sick and vulnerable patients failed by poor NHS transport

Audit Scotland said transport services for health and social care were "fragmented" and lacking in "leadership, ownership and monitoring".

Their report also said there was a risk that poor information about transport and badly co-ordinated arrangements meant people were not getting the services they needed.

And they said that poorly planned transport resulted in unnecessary journeys, missed or late appointments, patients remaining in hospital longer than necessary, and unnecessary use of more expensive options such as taxis.

The Scottish Government said it recognised the need for improving transport services and a review was taking place. The NHS boards, ambulance service and local authorities provide transport for hospital appointments, or to services such as day centres, in cases where people's medical condition means they need assistance, and also for those on low incomes or in rural areas who would struggle to make their own way.

Audit Scotland said at least 93 million was spent on these services each year, but this was likely to be a significant underestimate because of poor information available on transport.

The report said that the public sector would find it difficult to make efficient and effective use of its resources without this kind of information.

It pointed to the Highlands and Islands Patient Travel Reimbursement Scheme, which refunds travel costs in remote areas in the north of Scotland.

NHS boards claimed 9.2m from the scheme, but Audit Scotland said this money could have potentially been better used by the public sector to improve transport in these areas, rather than reimbursing individuals for their costs.

The report said that better co-ordination of transport would make things easier for patients and providers.

Audit Scotland also said the voluntary sector played an important role in providing transport for health and social care in many parts of Scotland.

But it warned that reductions to their funding, and the impact this may have on their ability to transport patients, was not being properly assessed by councils and health boards.

Robert Black, Auditor General for Scotland, said: "Well organised transport can make a positive difference to people needing help with getting to and from hospital appointments and services like day centres.

"Delays and confusion about arrangements can cause distress and anxiety and lead to people not getting the most out of the care services provided.

"All partners involved in transport for health and social care need to work together to improve the way these services operate. There is scope to make significant improvements and save money without affecting quality."Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "We fully acknowledge the work that needs to be done to improve transport for health and social care across Scotland and we have already put the recommendation for a co-ordinated review in place.

"We agree with all of the Audit Scotland recommendations and will implement them as soon as possible."