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Medical Transport Service

Travel assistance is now available to residents travelling to medical and specialist appointments in Melbourne.

By Wellington Shire Council - 12th December 2006 - Back to News

Called the Melbourne Medical Transport Assistance Scheme, it is an initiative of the Let’s GET Connected Transport Project and Australian Red Cross.

Wellington Shire’s Transport Project Coordinator Sheryl McHugh said the new initiative coordinates the current travel assistance available for rural people going to Melbourne hospital or specialist appointments.

"This is an excellent program that coordinates transport from the V/Line train directly to your medical appointment in Melbourne. The initiative will be a great help to those who must go to Melbourne for medical treatment."

"On arrival in Melbourne, a Red Cross Patient Transport volunteer will be waiting outside Southern Cross Station (formerly Spencer Street) to drive them to their destination," said Ms McHugh.

Ms McHugh said that arrangements could also be made for Travellers Aid staff to assist travellers in getting from the platform to the waiting Red Cross car.

"A subsidy for travel and accommodation expenses is also available and to claim expenses the referring doctor or specialist simply completes and signs the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme Claim form," said Ms McHugh.

Application forms are available from most doctors’ surgeons, hospitals, and health care services or from website, www.health.vic.gov.au/ruralhealth/aservices/vptas.htm

The Medical Transport Service is an initiative co-ordinated by The Let’s GET Connected Project, which is funded through the Victorian Government's Transport Connections program.

For more information about the Medical Transport Service please contact Gippsland Red Cross on 5143 2639 or your local Health Service Provider.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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