help with transport costs

[phillee]

hello, it's been a while since I last posted but to add to my other disability problems I have been recently diagnosed with a cancer, the only treatment centre is some 25 miles from where I live and since I will need 40 appointment over a 8 week period was wondering if I could get financial help with transport/parking costs.
I have the luxury of a motobility car so getting there should not be a problem but the costs incurred might be, I would be grateful of any help or advise from anyone who might have an answer.
Phil

[beau]

Can you ask for hospital transport? In my area they do it freely as the treatment centre is about the same distance away as yours.
In actual fact, whilst having treatment you may end up too unwell to drive.

[Fliss]

Sorry to hear of this diagnosis Phil.

I agree with Beau. I'm sorry to say it's likely that your treatment will probably leave you feeling tired/unwell, it does for most people and it's better to be prepared for this. I think you should ask for help with transport; I understand you'd rather drive yourself, but this may not be how it is when the treatment is underway. It's likely that they will have someway of arranging this for you.

Best wishes for all of this.

[nukecad]

If you are on an income related benefit (or have a HC2 'Help with Health Costs' certificate) you can reclaim the public transport costs but not usually taxi or private transport costs.

You should probably not be driving yourself to/from treatment or using public transport to get home, so as the others have said try asking the hospital if they will provide transport.

Another option is Community Transport.
These are people who volunteer to use their own cars to take others to and from hospital and just claim their expenses from the charity, or a nominal charge from the patient.
Your hospital / GP / CAB / Age UK will have details of voluntary transport in your area.

[AmyS]

hello, it's been a while since I last posted but to add to my other disability problems I have been recently diagnosed with a cancer, the only treatment centre is some 25 miles from where I live and since I will need 40 appointment over a 8 week period was wondering if I could get financial help with transport/parking costs.
I have the luxury of a motobility car so getting there should not be a problem but the costs incurred might be, I would be grateful of any help or advise from anyone who might have an answer.
Phil

My mother's specialist was 50 miles away - e.g. round trip 100 miles - the Cancer Department have 'volunteers' who pick up and drop off and collect again. Have you tried them?

[Lighttouch]

Your safety comes first The hospital will advise against driving yourself for reasons mentioned.

Either order an ambulance or ask about volunteer drivers - I think you'd need to contribute towards petrol for that sort of distance.

[AmyS]

Your safety comes first The hospital will advise against driving yourself for reasons mentioned.

Either order an ambulance or ask about volunteer drivers - I think you'd need to contribute towards petrol for that sort of distance.

It is funded from charity. In fact about 10 years ago my brother had an accident and was sent to another hospital by 'volunteer' transport - no charges were made.

In the case of my mother - again as it was cancer charity volunteers - there were no charges whatsoever - when I did offer to pay the driver - he outright flatly refused to accept any money whatsoever. Though as I left the vehicle I popped an envelope on the front seat - my way of saying thank you (money in the envelope).

[phillee]

Good morning and thank you for your replies.
I have just spoken to my care co-ordinator re driving to and from my appointments and was told there should be no problem doing so but to be aware that further into my treatment I may suffer from fatigue mainly due to the travelling and receiving the treatment but not so much from the treatment itself and to monitor how I felt in myself.
So I will be driving but being aware of my limitations, if any, this will mean I can keep my independence and avoid a lot of unnecessary waiting about for other transport and making what will be a long day even longer.

So my original question still stands, can I get financial help with my travelling and parking costs, if any, I do have a blue badge but spaces aren’t always available.

I currently receive PIP, housing and council tax benefit and pension credit, guaranteed.

Any help as always would be much appreciated.
Phil

[AmyS]

Only charity I can think of is 'back to the Cancer team' and asking them. As they would offer their services voluntarily - so no cost to you, but you wish to pay to drive and pay to park.

[Lighttouch]

I think you'll find a solution when you read this link to the Christie.

http://www.christie.nhs.uk/about-the...transport.aspx