Hi
I’m a carer for my mum. I’m trying to find practical advise/support with getting my mum to central London hospital appointments.
We’ve so far been having appointments over the phone (blood tests local and results forwarded to UCLH). My mum has been struggling with worsening bowel issues and they’ve said she has to come in.
She’s got a neutrophil count below 2 and there is a pandemic. She’s been advised not to take public transport but isn’t eligible for hospital transport. How am I supposed to get her to appointments? We have no family friends who can do the trip. The best I’ve found so far is a chauffeur service which will cost £300 a time but who can afford this for multiple appointments?? I’m at an absolute loss at what to do.
Any advice?
Hi again and this indeed is a challenge that SCT patients often face.
Some perp work can be done remotely but there comes a point when the SCT team have to see her. I am in Inverness and my SCT Unit was in Glasgow 9hrs round trip so my local health board (who sent me to Glasgow) covered our fuel costs, parking costs, overnight stay and food costs. They would cover rail but as my counts were low it was not an option. So have a good head to head with your mum’s health board.
You can call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week as they may have information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear to help you work through this.
Hi Hope you don't mind me posting here, but I have just seen your post, and am upset to see that your mum is not eligible for hospital transport. What about a charity transport group? You said you have to get your mum into central London, so I assume you are in the London area. There is CTA community transport association that covers London. I 'll put a link up below, you then select find your local provider, pop in your postcode, and health transport. I have fingers crossed there is something there for you.
Community transport association
Good luck
Some great info from my friend Chelle 
Looks like you are in West Sussex Healrh Board but this must be addressed by your Heamatology Department as they are sending her to ULCH.
The SCT process requires a lot of visits to the SCT unit before during and after. I would say I had about 15 x 9hr round trips for each of my two SCTs
If your mum has a specialist nurse these are the people to talk with ((hugs))
Thank you so much for your help and replies today 
Thank you so much for your help! They stopped giving lifts to London but were able to give me another number for a health service that will! Still got to pay but it’s 70% less than other services so I’m very relieved. The point is, without your help I don’t know where I’d be right now so thank you so much
