Patient Transport Services Herefordshire: Private Non-Emergency Ambulance
When you need patient transport services herefordshire but it’s not a 999 emergency, knowing your options can be confusing. NHS patient transport has strict criteria, long waiting lists, and limited availability. That’s where private patient transport services come in.
But here’s what most people don’t realise: private patient transport is a paid service, and that’s actually a good thing. Let me explain why.
What Are Patient Transport Services?
Patient transport services provide medical transport for people who need professional care during their journey but don’t require emergency ambulance response.
This includes:
- Hospital appointments and discharge
- Transfers between medical facilities
- Planned procedures and treatments
- Specialist consultations
- Repatriation after illness or injury abroad
The key difference: Non-emergency patient transport is planned, scheduled, and staffed by trained medical professionals who can provide care during the journey.
Is This Service Free?
No—Marches Ambulance Service is a private, paid patient transport service. We are not part of the NHS Patient Transport Service.
When to Use Private Patient Transport Services in Herefordshire:
✅ NHS patient transport is unavailable or fully booked
✅ You need transport outside NHS eligibility criteria
✅ You require a higher level of care during transport (stretcher, high dependency)
✅ You need flexible booking or short-notice service
✅ You’re arranging private medical appointments
✅ You want guaranteed reliability and professional standards
Why We Charge (And Why That Matters):
Unlike NHS patient transport, we’re a private ambulance service with:
- Full clinical capability: CQC-registered for Treatment of Disease, Disorder and Injury (not just basic transport)
- Paramedic crews: Advanced clinical training and emergency capability
- Medical Director oversight: Clinical governance and protocols
- £5 million insurance: Medical malpractice and public liability coverage
- Guaranteed availability: Flexible scheduling when you need it, not when the system can fit you in
- Reliability you can count on: We don’t cancel, run late, or leave you waiting
This means you get safe, reliable, professional care, when you need it, not when a stretched NHS service can fit you in.
When Do You Need Patient Transport Services?
Hospital Appointments
You have a hospital appointment but:
- You can’t sit in a standard car
- You need to lie flat during transport
- You require medical monitoring during the journey
- You need oxygen or other medical support
- You’re recovering from surgery or treatment
Hospital Discharge
You’re being discharged but:
- You live alone and need assistance getting home safely
- You require medical equipment during transport
- You need a stretcher or wheelchair-accessible vehicle
- Your family can’t provide the level of care needed during the journey
Transfers Between Facilities
You need to move between:
- Hospitals for specialist treatment
- Hospital to care home or rehabilitation facility
- Private clinic to hospital
- Out-of-area specialist centers
Planned Medical Procedures
You’re having:
- Day surgery or procedures requiring sedation
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy appointments
- Dialysis treatment
- Specialist scans or tests where you can’t drive afterwards
When Do You Need Patient Transport Services?
Hospital Appointments
You have a hospital appointment but:
- You can’t sit in a standard car
- You need to lie flat during transport
- You require medical monitoring during the journey
- You need oxygen or other medical support
- You’re recovering from surgery or treatment
Hospital Discharge
You’re being discharged but:
- You live alone and need assistance getting home safely
- You require medical equipment during transport
- You need a stretcher or wheelchair-accessible vehicle
- Your family can’t provide the level of care needed during the journey
Transfers Between Facilities
You need to move between:
- Hospitals for specialist treatment
- Hospital to care home or rehabilitation facility
- Private clinic to hospital
- Out-of-area specialist centers
Planned Medical Procedures
You’re having:
- Day surgery or procedures requiring sedation
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy appointments
- Dialysis treatment
- Specialist scans or tests where you can’t drive afterward
Real Stories: How We Help
Mrs L: Back Surgery Transport
Mrs L needed transport from her home in Leominster to Birmingham for spinal surgery. She couldn’t sit upright and required pain management during the 90-minute journey.
What we provided:
- Stretcher transport with full pain relief protocols
- Paramedic crew trained in spinal care
- Smooth, careful driving with medical monitoring throughout
- Direct admission to the surgical ward
Mrs L’s daughter: “The crew were wonderful. Mum was anxious about the journey, but they kept her comfortable and calm the whole way. Worth every penny for the peace of mind.”
Mr D: Early Surgery Transport
Mr D had a 7am surgery slot at Hereford County Hospital. He lived alone, had mobility issues, and couldn’t arrange family transport at that hour.
What we provided:
- 5:30am pickup with wheelchair-accessible vehicle
- Assistance from home to hospital ward
- Professional, punctual service that got him there on time
Mr D: “I was dreading trying to arrange transport that early. The NHS couldn’t help, but Marches sorted it without any fuss. Brilliant service.”
Mr K: Complex Medical Transport
Mr K needed regular transport from a care home in Ross-on-Wye to Gloucester Royal for specialist cardiology appointments. He had multiple conditions requiring careful monitoring.
What we provided:
- Regular scheduled transport (every 6 weeks)
- High-dependency care during 45-minute journey
- Cardiac monitoring and oxygen support
- Consistent crew who knew his medical history
Care home manager: “Having a reliable, professional service we can count on makes all the difference. The team know Mr K now, and he feels safe with them.”
Why Choose Our Patient Transport Services in Herefordshire?
Local Knowledge
We’re based in Leominster and know Herefordshire inside out:
- Quickest routes to Hereford County Hospital
- Access to specialist centers (Birmingham, Gloucester, Worcester)
- Understanding of rural transport challenges
- Familiarity with local care homes and medical facilities
Professional Standards
We’re not just a taxi with a wheelchair—we’re a professional ambulance service with:
- CQC registered for Treatment of Disease, Disorder and Injury (not just basic transport—we can provide full clinical care)
- Paramedic and ambulance crews with advanced clinical training
- Medical Director oversight and clinical governance
- Full medical equipment and emergency capability
- Comprehensive insurance (£5 million medical malpractice and public liability)
The difference matters. Many patient transport services are only registered for basic transport, they can’t legally provide the level of clinical care we can. Learn more about what different types of CQC registration mean.
Flexibility You Can Count On
- Advance booking: Schedule weeks or months ahead for planned appointments
- Short-notice service: We accommodate urgent requests when possible
- Flexible timing: Early morning, evening, and weekend transport available
- Reliable: We don’t cancel or run late, your appointment matters
Our Service Areas
Primary coverage:
- Herefordshire (Hereford, Leominster, Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury, Bromyard)
- Worcestershire (Worcester, Malvern, Evesham)
- Gloucestershire (Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury)
- Shropshire (Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Telford)
Extended coverage:
- Birmingham hospitals (Queen Elizabeth, Heartlands, Good Hope)
- Bristol hospitals (Southmead, BRI)
- Cardiff hospitals
- London specialist centers (by arrangement)
Not sure if we cover your route? Just ask, we’re happy to discuss your specific needs.
Transport Options Available
Standard Medical Transport
Best for:
- Patients who can sit upright but need assistance
- Wheelchair users requiring accessible transport
- Those needing medical supervision during journey
Includes:
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicle or ambulance
- Trained crew (minimum 2 staff)
- Basic medical equipment and oxygen
- Assistance from door to destination
Stretcher Transport
Best for:
- Patients who must lie flat
- Post-surgery or injury recovery
- Spinal conditions or severe pain
- Comfort and dignity during longer journeys
Includes:
- Fully-equipped ambulance
- Paramedic crew
- Stretcher with full medical mattress
- Pain relief and comfort measures
- Medical monitoring throughout
High Dependency Transport
Best for:
- Complex medical conditions
- Cardiac or respiratory patients
- Those requiring continuous monitoring
- Transfers needing advanced clinical care
Includes:
- Advanced life support ambulance
- Paramedic crew with specialist training
- Full monitoring equipment (ECG, oxygen saturation, blood pressure)
- Emergency medications and equipment
- Direct communication with receiving hospital
Not sure which option you need? View our full ambulance services or call us to discuss: 01568 605110
Understanding Patient Transport Costs
We believe in transparent pricing, even though every journey is different.
Your transport cost depends on:
- Distance: Mileage to and from your destination
- Medical needs: Basic assistance vs. stretcher vs. high-dependency care
- Vehicle type: Standard transport vs. fully-equipped ambulance
- Timing: Advance booking vs. short-notice requests
- Additional requirements: Oxygen, specialist equipment, bariatric transport
Typical scenarios:
- Local hospital appointment (within Herefordshire): Standard medical transport, 30-minute journey
- Specialist centre transfer (Birmingham/Gloucester): Stretcher transport, 60-90 minute journey
- Complex medical transport: High-dependency care with monitoring
Why private patient transport costs more than a taxi:
You’re not just paying for transport—you’re paying for:
- CQC-regulated clinical governance (full treatment capability, not just transport)
- Professional paramedic crews with advanced training
- Medical equipment and emergency capability
- Comprehensive insurance and safety standards
- Guaranteed reliability and punctuality
Get a personalised quote:📞 01568 605110📧 hello@marchesambulance.co.uk
Booking Your Patient Transport
Advance Booking (Recommended)
For planned appointments, procedures, or regular transport:
- Contact us with your appointment details (date, time, location)
- Discuss your needs (mobility, medical requirements, assistance needed)
- Receive a quote (clear, transparent pricing)
- Confirm booking (we’ll send written confirmation)
- Relax (we’ll be there on time, guaranteed)
How far in advance? Book as early as you like—we schedule weeks or months ahead for regular appointments.
Short-Notice Service
Need transport urgently?
- Call us as soon as you know you need transport
- We’ll check availability and do our best to accommodate
- Subject to crew and vehicle availability
- May incur short-notice premium
Emergency transport: If it’s a life-threatening emergency, always call 999 first.
What Patients Say
“Professional, caring, and reliable. The crew made my mum feel safe and comfortable during a difficult journey. Highly recommend.”— Sarah T., Hereford
“I’ve used Marches for regular hospital transport for six months now. Always on time, always professional, always kind. Can’t fault them.”— John M., Leominster
“After my hip surgery, I needed stretcher transport home from hospital. The team were brilliant—gentle, reassuring, and got me home safely. Thank you.”— Margaret P., Ross-on-Wye
Frequently Asked Questions About Patient Transport Services
Q: How much does private patient transport cost in Herefordshire?
A: Costs vary based on distance, medical needs, and vehicle type. A typical local hospital transfer might range from £200-£400+, but we provide personalised quotes based on your specific requirements. Contact us for accurate pricing: 01568 605110.
Q: Do I need a doctor’s referral?
A: No referral is needed for private patient transport. You, a family member, or your care provider can book directly with us.
Q: What’s the difference between NHS patient transport and your service?
A: NHS patient transport is free but has strict eligibility criteria, limited availability, and can be unreliable. Our private service offers:
- Full clinical capability (CQC-registered for treatment, not just transport)
- Paramedic crews (not just drivers or healthcare assistants)
- Flexible booking and guaranteed availability
- Professional standards and comprehensive insurance
- Punctuality and reliability you can count on
It’s a paid service, but you get what you pay for—peace of mind and professional care.
Q: Can you transport someone with dementia or complex needs?
A: Yes. Our crews are trained to work with patients with dementia, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, and complex medical needs. Let us know your requirements when booking so we can ensure the right crew and approach.
Q: Are you insured and regulated?
A: Yes. We’re CQC-registered for Treatment of Disease, Disorder and Injury (not just basic transport) with £5 million medical malpractice and public liability insurance, plus £10 million employers’ liability.
Q: What if my appointment is cancelled or rescheduled?
A: Contact us as soon as you know. We’ll do our best to reschedule without penalty, though cancellation terms apply for very short notice (detailed in our booking confirmation).
Q: Can I travel with my family members?
A: Yes, in most cases we can accommodate one family member or carer travelling with the patient (space permitting). Let us know when booking.
Q: Do you transport to hospitals outside Herefordshire?
A: Absolutely. We regularly transport patients to specialist centres in Birmingham, Gloucester, Worcester, Bristol, Cardiff, and London. Distance is no problem—we’ll get you there safely.
Who Uses Our Patient Transport Services?
Individual patients and families:
- People with mobility issues or medical conditions
- Post-surgery or injury recovery
- Elderly patients needing assistance
- Those without family able to provide transport
Care homes and facilities:
- Regular hospital appointment transport for residents
- Discharge and admission transfers
- Specialist consultation transport
Private hospitals and clinics:
- Patient discharge services
- Inter-facility transfers
- Repatriation services
Insurance companies:
- Medical repatriation after illness abroad
- Private medical insurance transport arrangements
Who Uses Our Patient Transport Services?
Individual patients and families:
- People with mobility issues or medical conditions
- Post-surgery or injury recovery
- Elderly patients needing assistance
- Those without family able to provide transport
Care homes and facilities:
- Regular hospital appointment transport for residents
- Discharge and admission transfers
- Specialist consultation transport
Private hospitals and clinics:
- Patient discharge services
- Inter-facility transfers
- Repatriation services
Insurance companies:
- Medical repatriation after illness abroad
- Private medical insurance transport arrangements
Contact Us for Patient Transport Services in Herefordshire
Ready to book or have questions about your specific transport needs?
📞 Call us: 01568 605110📧 Email us: hello@marchesambulance.co.uk🌐 Visit: Contact Us
Our office hours:Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm Transport services: 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends
Based in Leominster, serving all of Herefordshire and beyond.
Who Uses Our Patient Transport Services?
Individual patients and families:
- People with mobility issues or medical conditions
- Post-surgery or injury recovery
- Elderly patients needing assistance
- Those without family able to provide transport
Care homes and facilities:
- Regular hospital appointment transport for residents
- Discharge and admission transfers
- Specialist consultation transport
Private hospitals and clinics:
- Patient discharge services
- Inter-facility transfers
- Repatriation services
Insurance companies:
- Medical repatriation after illness abroad
- Private medical insurance transport arrangements
Contact Us for Patient Transport Services in Herefordshire
Ready to book or have questions about your specific transport needs?
📞 Call us: 01568 605110📧 Email us: hello@marchesambulance.co.uk🌐 Visit: Contact Us
Our office hours:Monday-Friday: 9am-5pmTransport services: 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends
Based in Leominster, serving all of Herefordshire and beyond.
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About Marches Ambulance Service
We’re a CQC-registered independent ambulance service based in Herefordshire, providing professional patient transport, event medical cover, and ambulance services across the Midlands. With experienced paramedic crews, modern equipment, and a commitment to clinical excellence, we deliver the safe, reliable care you deserve.
No subcontractors, no surprises, just professional medical transport you can trust.