Support getting to vaccination and screening appointments
Posted on December 28th, 2022
We want to make sure that routine health care is as easy to access as possible for Derbyshire residents.
That’s why we’re running a new scheme offering free transport to a variety of routine health appointments including vaccination appointments and some screening programmes.
The Grab a Cab project is running until 31 March 2023. The offer is open to all ages and is not means tested so you do not need to be receiving benefits to be eligible.
The support will cover a pre-paid taxi journey to and from your vaccination or screening appointment. You will need to arrange your vaccination or screening appointment yourself. This is not something the team will be able to do for you.
The free transport offer will cover the following prearranged health appointments:
- the following vaccination appointments – COVID-19, flu, shingles, PPV (Pneumococcal) and other NHS provided vaccinations
- abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening
- cervical cancer screening
- bowel cancer screening
- diabetic eye screening
Eligibility
- you need to be a Derbyshire county resident (excluding Derby city)
- there is no age limit
- the service is not means tested
How it works
If you would like to arrange free transport to a pre-arranged health appointment that falls into one of the categories, then please call our team on tel: 01629 536173. The phone line is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
They will take details from you 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 will then contact a local taxi firm on your behalf and arrange for a taxi to pick you up from your home and take you to your appointment.
We cannot guarantee a taxi will be available for your appointment, however we will try our best and keep you fully updated about your request.
You will not, and should not, be asked for any payment at any time – this will be covered and paid directly to the taxi company by us.
Dependent on what type of appointment you are attending, the taxi will either wait for you, or you will need to arrange the return journey with your driver.
Vaccination appointment
The taxi will wait for you while you attend your vaccination appointment and will take you straight home afterwards.
Screening appointment
If your screening appointment will last longer than an hour, the taxi will drop you off and you will need to arrange the details of your return journey with your driver.
If you have a problem with the taxi
All the taxi firms we use are DBS checked to ensure your safety and wellbeing.
If your taxi does not turn up or there are any other issues relating to the pickup or drop off, please contact the taxi firm directly. Their number will be given to you when the booking is confirmed.
If you can’t attend your appointment
If you are unwell or you have symptoms of COVID-19 please do not attend the appointment. Please give us as much notice as possible so that we can cancel your transport. Contact us on tel: 01629 536173 and leave a message letting us know that you are unable to attend.
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/home.aspx