NHS trust to start using Uber for non-emergency patients

March 6, 2017

Deal will see patients able to use Uber for hospital appointments
Service will also be available to carers using the app from care company Cera
The firm’s co-founder Dr Ben Maruthappu said the move would ‘radically integrate care and transport through technology’

Daily Mail Reporter

Published:
19:41 EST, 5 March 2017

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Updated:
03:15 EST, 6 March 2017

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Patients will be able to use the Uber app, pictured above, for journeys to hospital appointments (stock photo)

Uber taxis could soon be used to transfer non-emergency patients to and from hospital after a deal was struck between an NHS trust and social care company Cera.

The deal will see patients able to use Uber for journeys including hospital appointments and generally getting out-and-about when they might otherwise be housebound or reliant on family and friends.

Patients will use the UberAssist disabled access cars and the UberWav service for wheelchair users.

The service will also be available to carers, using the app alongside traditional forms of transport to determine the most efficient option in each individual case, Cera said.

Patients with illnesses ranging from cancer to dementia will be looked after by Cera carers under the scheme at Barts Health NHS Trust in London.

A smartphone app will help to coordinate care, book drivers, and keep relatives informed of their care.

Dr Ben Maruthappu, Cera’s co-founder and president, said the move would ‘radically integrate care and transport through technology’.

He added: ‘Older people and those with disabilities will now have access to the highest quality drivers, while carers will be able to efficiently travel to ensure they can provide services in the right place at the right time.’

Patients with illnesses ranging from cancer to dementia will be looked after by Cera carers under the scheme at Barts Health NHS Trust in London (stock photo)

As well as the five London hospitals that make up the Trust, clinical commissioning groups in Harrow, Brent and Hillingdon will also use the Cera service.

David Mowat, Minister of State for Community and Social Care, said: ‘This is an interesting and innovative proposal which will help raise awareness of the challenges faced by the vulnerable elderly, and those with specific conditions that are becoming increasingly common in our society.

‘I look forward to hearing more about the results in due course.’

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: ‘Social care and the NHS are in such a state of crisis that any initiative to ease the pressure will be welcomed by patients and staff.