Elderly Heart Patient Forced to Drive 140 Miles for Medical Tests

An 83-year-old patient, Charles Swift, who is recuperating from cancer and has experienced two heart attacks, was compelled to drive himself for medical tests, undertaking a four-hour round trip. Swift, residing in Borth, Ceredigion, was referred to Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, for heart tests in August. The hospital is located 70 miles from his home.

Swift's inquiries about non-emergency patient transport were reportedly denied by a Welsh Ambulance Services Trust (WAST) call handler, who cited that he owned a car. "I can't understand why pensioners have to run about in their own car," Swift stated. He also noted that when inquiring about hospital taxis, he was asked if he could walk, climb stairs, and if he owned a car. Upon answering yes to these questions, he was told, "You'll have to use that then."

On a separate occasion, Swift's hospital transport for a Monday appointment was canceled on a Friday afternoon, leading him to cancel the appointment itself. When he did receive hospital transport for a subsequent appointment, he described the experience as "very pleasant, no problem at all."

The Hywel Dda University Health Board's website indicates that patients are typically expected to arrange their own transportation to and from the hospital. Eligibility for non-emergency patient transport, provided by the Welsh Ambulance Service, is subject to criteria including receiving regular dialysis or cancer treatment, requiring a stretcher or oxygen, or needing to travel in a wheelchair. Public transport options are not considered practical, with train journeys from Borth to Haverfordwest taking a minimum of three-and-a-half hours each way.

Concerns about the hospital transport system in rural areas have been raised by local councillors. Councillor Hugh Hughes met Swift after his initial appointment, noting he was "distraught" and "absolutely exhausted" by the experience. Following Swift's initial request for transport, the ambulance service reviewed the call. Mark Harris, WAST's assistant director of operations, stated that the transport would not have been refused if more information had been available. He added that WAST has since updated its processes and provided additional training to its call-taking team.

Harris acknowledged that increasing demand for transport and longer travel distances are straining resources, contributing to cancellations. "We are seeing an increase in the volume of journeys we have to cancel where the demand exceeds our available resource," he said, noting that a significant improvement program is underway to address this.

Councillors and voluntary organizations involved in patient transport have reported frequent cancellations of bookings the day before appointments. One charity stated it had received 145 calls in two months regarding transport cancellations, managing to assist in about a third of those cases. They have also observed a rise in patients needing to travel much further for appointments, with older patients expressing discomfort about driving in unfamiliar areas.

Andrew Carruthers, chief operating officer at Hywel Dda health board, acknowledged the challenges faced by patients in rural areas traveling longer distances for specialized treatment. He stated the board works closely with WAST and will review concerns to improve transport options for patients.