Derbyshire County Council wants to make sure that health care appointments are as easy to access as possible for Derbyshire residents so has set up a three month scheme offering free transport to a variety of routine health appointments including vaccination appointments and some screening programmes, and is open to all ages and is not means tested so you do not need to be receiving benefits to be eligible.
A new scheme - the 'Grab-a-Cab' project - is being run until 31st March 2023, covering a pre-paid taxi journey to and from your specific types of health appointment.
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “We know that some people may struggle with getting to routine health appointments which is why we’re offering free transport to help them.
“Attending invites for screening programmes and vaccination appointments is important in helping prevent serious diseases and illnesses from developing.
“If you need support with transport to any of the eligible appointments in our Grab a Cab scheme then please get in touch.”
The free transport offer will cover the following prearranged health appointments:
- The following vaccination appointments - Covid-19 / Flu / Shingles and other NHS provided vaccinations
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening
- Cervical cancer screening
- Bowel cancer screening
- Diabetic Eye Screening
Who is eligible?
- You need to be a Derbyshire county resident (excluding Derby city)
- There is no age limit
- The service is not means tested
If you would like to arrange free transport to one of the prearranged health appointments above, then please call 01629 536173 - the phone line is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
Call handlers will take details including your name, address and details of the appointment you are attending.
They will also ask if you require any assistance including use of a wheelchair or whether someone will be coming with you.
The team cannot guarantee that they will be able to provide free transportation but will make sure that you are kept fully informed about your request.
Find out more about the free transport offer online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/grabacab