Patient Transport Service (PTS) is available for patients who meet eligibility criteria. Within greater metropolitan Sydney, transport is undertaken by qualified patient transport officers or, when required, under the supervision of an enrolled or registered nurse. Patient transport may be undertaken by NSW Ambulance in some regional areas.

Preparing for transport

Ready to go posterIf you require transport with PTS, your doctor or health care professional will ensure that the PTS staff who are transporting you have information about your condition. They will also be able to advise you and your carer to help prepare required items including your medications, medical information and discharge summary.

There are some important things you and your carer can do to help ensure that your PTS journey is as comfortable and efficient as possible:

  • make sure you are ready at least 30 minutes before the pick-up time
  • have all required items packed before pick-up
  • inform the PTS staff of any special conditions when they arrive.

Frequently asked questions about travelling with PTS

How can I book transport with PTS?

Should you meet the eligibility criteria for the service, transport can only be booked by a nurse or medical practitioner on your behalf. Only a health professional and staff in hospitals, aged care facilities, private hospitals, nursing homes and medical practices can make bookings with PTS.

Can I bring luggage with me?

Your safety is our priority, PTS has luggage size and weight restrictions to ensure each person's belongings can fit into the vehicle and be safely secured.

As a general rule, patients are allowed to bring one luggage bag and one personal item, such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop.

For further information on luggage limits, please view the PTS Patient Luggage Restrictions flyer.

Will I travel with other people?

Yes. Our vehicles are designed to transport up to three people at a time, so it is possible that you will travel with other patients traveling in a similar direction.

Can a family member travel with me?

While we recognise you may like the support of family and/or friends with you on your journey, due to the current health and patient safety advice for COVID-19 (coronavirus), we are unable to accommodate this at this time. Only parents/carers of children under the age of 16 and carers of patients who have been assessed as vulnerable can accompany patients on their journey.

When will I be picked up?

If you are being transported for an appointment, your booking will be made to ensure you arrive in time for your scheduled appointment. Please be ready at least 90 minutes before your appointment time. While every attempt is made to ensure you arrive at your destination on time, delays may occur due to peaks in demand or local traffic incidents.

What will it cost me to travel with PTS?

Depending on your personal circumstances, there may be charges associated with the use of PTS services.

You are not required to pay for PTS services if you:

  • are being transported between public hospitals for ongoing care or between public and private hospitals for appointments
  • are being transported between a healthcare facility and home and you have private health insurance which includes hospital cover
  • are being transported between a healthcare facility and home, do not have private health insurance but were a concession card holder at the time of receiving transport.

You are required to pay for PTS services if you:

  • are transported between a healthcare facility and home and do not have private health insurance with hospital cover
  • were not a concession card holder at the time of transport
  • are a NSW resident but was provided PTS services in South Australia or Queensland
  • were repatriated to your home state for non-clinical reasons
  • are a NSW pensioner being transported to another state for non-clinical reasons.

For further information for patients, please refer to Patient Fees and Charges.

For DVA patients, please refer to Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Patient Fees and Charges.


Current as at: Monday 20 June 2022
Contact page owner: HealthShare NSW