Transport and Travel for Patients, Visitors and Carers
Public Transport
Stagecoach and First Aberdeen both run frequent services. For more information about these services, you can contact:
Traveline Scotland
www.travelinescotland.com | Tel: 0871 200 2233 (available 24 hours, 7 days a week)
Please verify routes before travelling. NHS Grampian is not responsible for the content or accuracy of these services.
First Aberdeen
Stagecoach
Please verify routes before travelling. NHS Grampian is not responsible for the content or accuracy of these services.
Transport to Healthcare Information Centre (THInC)
If you require further advice about traveling to and from your medical appointment the Transport to Healthcare Information Centre (THInC) can help. They provide practical transport advice for people who have difficulty getting to and from medical appointments in Grampian.
The service provides a dedicated telephone service offering guidance on accessing suitable transport options to get to and from appointments when they have no means of personal transport. The centre can provide details of suitable bus or train times, contact telephone numbers and other services such as local dial-a-bus or voluntary car schemes.
Please note that THInC does not book transport but can assist with travel advice.
The centre is the first of its kind in the UK and is a joint initiative between Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Moray Council, NHS Grampian, The Scottish Ambulance Service and Nestrans. THInC is one of the projects taken forward as part of the Health and Transport Action Plan.
To use the service please call THInC on 01467 536111 between 9am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Travel costs
If you receive Income Support, Working Tax Credit (with Child Tax Credit or with a disability element), Job Seeker's Allowance (income based) or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, you may be entitled to help with hospital travel costs. If you are named on an HC2 or HC3 certificate or complete an HC5 form, you may also be entitled to help with travel costs. You must bring details of your benefits and appointment card when you attend the hospital. Please keep any tickets and receipts as proof of your travel costs. Please note that reimbursement will only be at the cheapest public transport rate.
Reimbursement and queries for patients at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital and Aberdeen Maternity Hospital are dealt with by:
The General Office (located in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, close to the Rotunda entrance)
Those receiving the above named benefits, travelling with children under 16 are entitled to claim expenses for one escort. If on medical grounds, your child needs two escorts you will receive reimbursement for both.
If you are not receiving these benefits and require help to pay your travelling expenses, a form HC1 can be obtained from the outpatients' reception desk. You should return the completed form in the pre-paid envelope provided.
Patients from the Highland Health Board area
Patients travelling from the Highland Health Board area are entitled to help with travel costs, minus a deduction of £10 per journey for those not in receipt of an eligible benefit - refer to this form for full details.
Anyone wishing to submit a claim should complete this form and present it in person at the General Office, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, or send it by post to:
General Office
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Aberdeen
AB25 2ZN
Alternatively send your completed form by e-mail to gram.patienttravelari@nhs.scot.
Driving and medical fitness - reminder to patients
If you hold a driving licence, remember you are required by law to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) as soon as you become aware that you are suffering from any condition which is, or which may become, likely to affect your ability to drive. If you are in any doubt about whether you should notify the DVLA, consult your doctor.
If you hold a paper licence or a photocard licence you should tell the Drivers' Medical Group, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU. You can also contact them on 0300 790 6806 or email eftd@dvla.gsi.gov.uk
Notifying the DVLA does not necessarily mean the licence will be withdrawn but simply that the Agency can review the situation.
Patients from Shetland
Please contact the Patient Travel Officer at NHS Shetland as soon as possible so that your travel arrangements can be organised in good time.
Write to:
Patient Travel Office
Gilbert Bain Hospital
Lerwick
ZE1 0TB
Telephone: (01595) 743305
Patients from Orkney
The tickets are issued under the Highlands & Islands travel scheme and are booked through your GP. Please ask your GP for a travel pack which will contain all the information you will need.
Published: 01/11/2024 14:33