Non-Emergency Patient Transport

What is Non-Emergency Patient Transport? 

St John Ambulance SA's Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT) team provide a crucial service for individuals who require medical transportation but are not in a critical condition. This service caters to individuals who cannot travel independently due to health challenges or who need specialised medical equipment or care during their journey. Our ambulances are staffed by skilled professionals and equipped to ensure safe, comfortable, and reliable transport to meet each patient’s specific needs. 

Chat to our friendly Bookings and Scheduling Team if you have questions or queries about our Non-Emergency Patient Transport Program. We can be reached on (08) 8306 6945.

Our Services & Coverage 

Our non-emergency patient transport services offer comprehensive coverage throughout South Australia, ensuring that patients receive the care they need, wherever they are. We are dedicated to providing flexible and reliable transport solutions, partnering with local hospitals, clinics, and other health services to offer a seamless service. Our capabilities include: 

  • Metropolitan Transfers: Efficient and timely transport within metropolitan areas, ensuring patients reach their destination without delay. 

  • Long-Distance Transfers: Comfortable and secure transport for patients needing to travel longer distances. 

  • Interhospital Transfers: Reliable transfers between hospitals to facilitate continued care and treatment. 

  • Medical Appointment Transfers: Safe and punctual transport for outpatient visits, including radiotherapy, medical imaging, specialist consultations, and more. 

  • Support for Aeromedical Providers: Providing road ambulances to assist aeromedical providers, ensuring continuity of care from air to ground to their destination transport. 

We pride ourselves on our ability to extend our services beyond regular coverage areas for special requirements, ensuring all patients have access to the care they need, wherever they may be. 

 

Our Team 

Our team is the backbone of our non-emergency patient transport service, dedicated to providing compassionate and professional care to all patients. Comprising of highly trained and experienced professionals across various roles, our team ensures a safe and comfortable journey for every individual we serve. Our team include: 

  • On-Road Staff: Our on-road staff include Patient Transport Officers, Ambulance Officers, and registered healthcare professionals who are trained to provide immediate care and support during transport. Their expertise ensures the highest standards of safety and comfort for our patients. 

  • Booking and Coordination Staff: Our dedicated booking and coordination team is responsible for managing all transport logistics. They ensure efficient scheduling, clear communication, and seamless coordination to meet each patient's needs. 

  • Management Team: Our experienced management team oversees all operations, ensuring that our services adhere to the highest standards of quality and reliability. They are on-call 24/7 highlighting their commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in patient care. 

Together, our team are dedicated to making every patient's transport experience as smooth and stress-free as possible, reflecting our commitment to quality and reliability in non-emergency patient transport. 

 

Our Fleet & Equipment 

Our state-of-the-art fleet and equipment are designed to provide the highest standard of care and comfort for our patients. Key features include: 

  • Mercedes Sprinter Ambulance Fleet: Owned and maintained by St John, ensuring reliability and safety with interior fit-outs designed by clinicians including front and rear climate control to maintain a comfortable environment. 

  • Electric Stretchers: Powered Stryker stretchers enhance patient safety and comfort during transport. These stretchers are designed to reduce the physical strain on both patients and staff, ensuring smooth and safe transfers. 

  • Cardiac Monitors: Equipped with Lifepak 15 monitors/defibrillators for advanced patient monitoring. These state-of-the-art devices provide real-time data enabling our team to monitor a patient's condition during transfer. 

  • Digital Radio Communications and Vehicle Tracking: Seamless coordination between our on-road and coordination teams through the Government Radio Network (GRN). This digital communication system ensures real-time updates and effective collaboration, enhancing operational efficiency. The GRN also allows for integration with other emergency services, ensuring a coordinated effort during major incidents. 

Our fleet and equipment are continually updated and maintained to ensure we deliver the best possible care, reflecting our commitment to excellence and patient-focused service. 

 

Our Assurances 

At St John, we are dedicated to delivering the highest standard of non-emergency patient transport services. Our assurances reflect our commitment to safety, quality care, and professional excellence, ensuring peace of mind for our patients and their families. 

  • Training and Teamwork: Our team undergoes continuous training to stay updated on the latest protocols, safety protocols, and emergency response procedures. This commitment to education ensures our staff are always prepared to provide exceptional care. Emphasising teamwork, our staff collaborate seamlessly to ensure the highest level of service and support for our patients. 

  • Licensed by SA Health: St John is fully licensed by SA Health to provide non-emergency ambulance services and to carry both scheduled and non-scheduled medications. This underscores our adherence to stringent regulatory standards and our dedication to delivering safe and reliable transport with the capability to administer necessary medications during transit. 

  • Comprehensive Insurance: We have extensive insurance coverage, including medical malpractice, motor vehicle, and public & products liability. This comprehensive protection ensures that our patients and staff are safeguarded in all circumstances, reflecting our commitment to safety and professionalism in every aspect of our service. 

  • Governance: Our robust clinical governance framework ensures accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. We conduct regular audits, comply with health regulations, and adhere to best practices in patient care and operational management. This framework supports our mission to provide exceptional non-emergency patient transport services, maintaining the highest standards of quality and reliability. 

Our assurances highlight our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of care, safety, and reliability in non-emergency patient transport. 

FAQ

  • Do you charge a fee for non-emergency patient transport? 

    • Yes, there is a fee for our non-emergency patient transport services. Please contact us for detailed pricing.  

  • What types of patients can use your non-emergency patient transport? 

    • Our service is available to patients who are unable to use regular transportation such as a car or who may require treatment and monitoring during transport. Our team are trained and equipped to transport infectious patients.  

  • I have ambulance cover, can this be used to cover the cost of non-emergency patient transport? 

    • St John Ambulance SA is a separate entity to SA Ambulance Service and as such is unable to use SA Ambulance Service cover to bill to. In some instances private health insurance may cover the cost of our services but you should check with your insurance provider. An invoice is issued after transport with payment options.  

  • When should non-emergency patient transport be used? 

    • Non-emergency patient transport should be used for planned transports of low to medium acuity patients between health care facilities, medical appointments, and home. If the patient is in a critical condition or requires an unplanned admission to hospital via the Emergency Department, Triple Zero (000) must be contacted.  

  • Do you offer transports outside of regular business hours? 

    • St John Ambulance SA can provide transports outside of business hours. Call us to discuss your individual needs.  

  • Can I use my NDIS plan? 

    • St John Ambulance SA is able to bill to a participants NDIS plan if a reasonable and necessary assessment has been completed or a letter of approval from a Local Area Coordinator is submitted at the time of booking. Please call us to discuss further to see if this is suitable for you.  

  • Can I use my DVA coverage? 

    • The Department of Veterans' Affairs can confirm eligibility and approve Ambulance Transport where the eligible person meets one or more of their set criteria. Please contact the DVA on 1800 838 372 and obtain approval prior to booking non-emergency patient transport and ensure to provide us with the patients DVA card number. 

  • Do you have transport options available if I don't need a non-emergency ambulance? 

    • St John Ambulance SA offers a Community Transport Program run by our Community Care Team. This may be suitable for people who simply need a mode of transport such as a car to support them. Our Community Care Team can be contacted on 0460 945 193 or online to discuss if this may be suitable for you.