Scope for significant improvements and savings in transport for health and social care
Greater coordination of transport for health and social care, which affects many people across Scotland, could lead to significant improvements and financial savings.
An Audit Scotland report published today, Transport for health and social care, looks at transport arranged by the ambulance service, NHS boards and councils to take people to and from health and social care appointments.
The report says that poor information about transport services and uncoordinated transport arrangements mean there is a risk people are not getting to the services they need. Badly planned transport results in unnecessary journeys, missed or late appointments, people staying in hospital longer than they need to and reliance on unplanned options such as taxis.
The report found information on costs, quality and people’s needs is inadequate. Audit Scotland found that at least £93 million is spent annually on transport for health and social care, but this is likely to be a significant underestimate because it is difficult to identify what is spent in this area.
The report recommends coordinating local services, making better use of joint scheduling, sharing more resources between partners, and providing better information to the public.
Auditor General for Scotland Robert Black 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 that are being provided.
‘All partners involved in transport for health and social care need to work together to improve the way these services operate. This is an area where there is scope to make significant improvements and save money without affecting quality.’
Accounts Commission for Scotland chair John Baillie said:
‘Joint working across the public sector and with voluntary and private sector providers is crucial for the successful and sustainable development of transport for health and social care. Councils and Regional Transport Partnerships are key partners in planning and delivering these services.
‘There needs to be clear leadership and joint working to ensure transport is well-planned, coordinated and cost-effective. When improving and developing transport services, all partners need to consider the individual needs of service users and the impact of transport provision on their care.’
