MORE than 6,200 people – including some cancer patients – will lose free transport to hospital, NHS leaders have agreed.

Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group will axe funding for non-emergency transport for those in least need to save £795,833 a year.

These are those “capable of walking and getting in and out of vehicle unaided” with “minimal assistance”.

Interim deputy director for delivery and localities Diane Hedges said: “With a rising demand for NHS services and fewer resources to pay for this, we have to make sure the patient transport service meets the needs of patients and supports the most vulnerable.”

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On Thursday its board considered two options on whether to remove funding for some attending hospital but not for treatment, such as for consultations.

Members decided to remove free transport for these groups, which are chemotherapy, radiotherapy, renal dialysis and eye surgery.

Those with deep vein thrombosis, attending vascular clinic treatment or six weeks post-transplant who need care during transit will also lose out.

It means 6,209 will lose transport compared to 5,571 under the other option, to keep transport for the above groups of patients.

The change will take effect from Wednesday and affect 31,173 journeys, about a quarter of trips. It is run by South Central Ambulance Service and funded by OCCG, facing £15.7m savings to balance this year’s £638.6m budget.

In a public consultation 150 people, 70 per cent of respondents, backed free transport only for those who cannot use cars or public transport for a medical reason.

The criteria will apply for new bookings from Wednesday and all patients from November 1.

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