Our patient transport service

If you have a medical reason why you can’t use community, public or private transport, you may be able to use a non-urgent ambulance.

We can pick you up and drop you off at health care services including hospitals and other places such as kidney or cancer units.

Who can use this service

You can use our service if you have a medical condition or disability and can’t use other transport for any of the following reasons.

  • Must travel on a stretcher
  • Need medical management or monitoring during the trip
  • Have a medical condition that may cause serious embarrassment or discomfort to yourself or other people using public transport
  • Have a cognitive disability that may cause socially unacceptable behaviour or need constant support using public transport

Booking transport for yourself

You can book transport if your doctor or GP fills in a Medically Authorised Transport form [PDF 208.54 KB] and sends it to us for bookings. Once the form has been sent, call us on 13 12 33 at least 24 hours before you need to travel and we’ll give you an estimated pick up time.

Booking transport for your patient

You can book transport if you're a registered health professional or work in a:

  • public or private hospital
  • aged care service
  • nursing home
  • GP surgery.

How to book

We’re rolling out an online booking system—Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT). Check if NEPT is available in your area.

If you can’t use our online booking system, please fill in our Medically Authorised Transport form [PDF 208.54 KB] If you haven't used this form before, call us and we'll tell you how to submit it.

You can also call us on 13 12 33 to make a booking. We’ll ask you for the following details when you call.

Patient information

  • Name, age, date of birth and gender
  • Phone number and home address
  • Clinical diagnosis
  • If they have any special care needs

Transport information

  • Pick up and drop off address
  • Date and time for pick up
  • If they need transport to go home
  • Name of the doctor authorising the transport

We’ll give you an estimated pick up time when we confirm your patient’s booking.

Pick up information

The person making your booking will tell you what time you’ll be picked up. We try to arrive as close as possible to your pick up time, but if we're running late, we'll let you know.

If we have other patients going in a similar direction, they’ll be transported with you. This may mean there are multiple pick ups and drop offs during your trip.

If you have any special needs, please let us know when we pick you up.

Preparing for your trip

Your doctor or health care provider will give us details about your medical condition before your trip.

What you can bring with you

You can bring:

  • one small bag - about the size of a carry on suitcase, up to 34 cm tall including any wheels or handles
  • one other item, such as a handbag or laptop.

Your bag must weigh less than 10 kg.

You can’t bring other mobility devices, such as your wheelchair.

What to pack for a stay in hospital

Your medications

Bringing your medication will help with your care in hospital.

Your glasses or contact lenses

Don't forget accessories like contact lens solution if you need it.

Any medical devices

For example, insulin devices, hearing aids, sleep apnoea device. If possible, put a name label on your devices.

Medicare and other health cards

Bring any health care cards including:

  • Medicare
  • Private health
  • Veteran affairs
  • Pension or concession cards
  • Travel insurance information and passport for international visitors.

Medical and other important documents

For example:

  • Recent test results like x-rays or scans
  • Referral letter
  • Advance health directive
  • Enduring Power of Attorney
  • Details of your next of kin
  • WorkCover claim details.

Comfortable clothes

Including some warm clothes or a jacket and shoes that are supportive and non-slip.

Toiletries and other personal items

For example dentures, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant.

Mobile phone

Don't forget to bring your charger and some headphones.

Something to do

For example a book, small game or toy.

A small amount of money

To buy low-cost items during your stay. Don't bring large amounts of money or valuables.

House keys

For when you return home.

Download a fact sheet to keep as a reminder of what you should bring with you to hospital [PDF 3612.12 KB].

Who you can bring with you

You can bring one parent or carer with you if you’re under 16 or you need more support.

Bringing your service animal

Only registered service animals, such as guide, hearing, mobility support or psychiatric assistance dogs can travel in the ambulance.

Other transport options

If you can't use our transport service, the Queensland Government website has information about the following services you may be able to use.

Last updated: July 2024

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