There are a number of core partners who play a part in ensuring access to healthcare services, including Health Boards, Local Authorities, the Scottish Ambulance Service, Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs) and Community Health (and Care) Partnerships (CHPs/CHCPs). Other significant players include public and private transport service providers, those operating community and/or voluntary transport and Demand Responsive Transport (DRT ).

The centrality of joint working in planning future transport and healthcare services was made clear in the Transport (Scotland) Act (2005) with new legal requirements being placed upon Health Boards and others to work with the newly established Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs) in planning access to health. Section 5 of the Transport (Scotland) Act (2005) sets out the need for RTPs to explain how transport in the region will be provided, developed, improved and operated to facilitate access to hospitals, clinics, surgeries and other places where a health service is provided.

In addition to those seeking medical care, hospitals and other healthcare services attract trips from a number of other groups including families, staff, friends and other visitors, who make up a significant proportion of those for whom transport provision must be considered. The transport/travel needs of each of these groups must be taken into account.

Adobe Reader (Version 7 or Higher) may be required to view some of the publications.  You can download it from Adobe Acrobat Reader Site.