Navigating to Worthing Hospital

Getting to Worthing Hospital: Your Comprehensive Guide

Worthing Hospital is a key healthcare facility serving the community, and understanding how to get there is crucial for patients, visitors, and staff alike. This guide will provide you with all the necessary information regarding public transport, private vehicle access, and essential patient transport services. We'll cover everything from the most convenient bus routes and train connections to parking options and eligibility for assisted travel.

By Public Transport: Bus and Train Options

Worthing Hospital is well-connected by public transport, making it accessible for many. Stagecoach South and Compass Travel operate services that stop conveniently close to the hospital.

Bus Services

The hospital is directly served by the following bus routes:

• ‘Pulse’ service (Stagecoach South)
• Number 9 service (Stagecoach South)
• Compass Travel services 16 and 106

The designated bus stop for Worthing Hospital is located on Lyndhurst Road, offering a straightforward drop-off point.

Train Travel

For those travelling by train, Worthing Station is the nearest station. From Worthing Station, the hospital is approximately a 15-minute walk. The route is well-signposted, ensuring you can easily find your way. It’s a pleasant, albeit sometimes brisk, walk, so consider the weather and your personal mobility when choosing this option.

Parking Information: Facilities and Fees

Parking at Worthing Hospital can be limited, especially during peak times. It is advisable to plan your journey and consider public transport if possible. However, if you are travelling by car, here’s what you need to know about the parking facilities:

Main Hospital Car Park

The primary car park is accessible via a barrier system. Upon entry, you will receive a ticket. Before returning to your vehicle, you must pay at one of the designated pay stations. The paid ticket is then used to exit the car park.

Pay station facilities:

• Accepts cash (notes)
• Accepts debit and credit cards
• Provides change
• Equipped with an intercom for assistance if needed

Blue Badge Holder Parking

Dedicated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders are available directly opposite the main public car park. A significant advantage is that fees do not apply in these designated disabled bays. Blue Badge holders do not require a ticket to park; however, it is essential to ensure that your valid Blue Badge is clearly displayed at all times.

Pay-and-Display Parking

In addition to the main hospital car park, pay-and-display parking is also available on Lyndhurst Road and in the Beach House car parks. These are located on the opposite side of Lyndhurst Road to the hospital entrance, offering alternative parking options.

Patient Transport Services: Ensuring Access to Care

For patients who may have difficulty accessing the hospital due to their medical condition or mobility issues, various transport services are available. These services aim to ensure that everyone can attend their appointments.

Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS)

The Sussex Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) is provided to eligible patients. Eligibility is determined by a medical need that prevents the patient from using private or public transport. This service provides transport to and from hospital appointments.

How to arrange or enquire about NEPTS:

• Telephone: 0300 123 9841

For more detailed information on eligibility and to understand the criteria, you can visit the South Central Ambulance Service’s website. Patients are encouraged to contact the service as soon as their appointment is confirmed.

Who is Eligible for NEPTS?

You are generally considered eligible for NEPTS if:

• Your medical condition would be negatively impacted by using other forms of transport.
• Your mobility is such that you cannot use any other means of transport (e.g., stretcher patients).
• You require the specific skills and support of specialist patient transport staff during the journey (e.g., for administering oxygen).

You are typically NOT eligible for NEPTS if:

• You are attending a primary care service, such as a routine GP or health centre appointment.
• You are not an NHS patient.
• You require transport outside of England, Scotland, and Wales.

For comprehensive details on eligibility criteria, further information can be found on the relevant NHS websites.

What if You Don't Qualify for NEPTS?

If you are not eligible for the NEPTS, there are several alternative community transport providers in Sussex that can assist you. Please be aware that these services may charge a fee for their transport.

Community Transport Providers:

• Community Transport Sussex (CT Sussex): This partnership offers a volunteer car scheme providing door-to-door independence for individuals with restricted mobility. The service is typically charged at a per-mile rate (e.g., 50p per mile). You can find out more by visiting the CT Sussex websites or emailing [email protected] It is recommended to contact them as soon as you have your appointment letter.
• St John’s Ambulance: St John’s Ambulance also provides patient transport services across the entirety of Sussex.
• Other Providers: A comprehensive list of community transport options can be found on the Community Transport Association website.

Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)

The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) may allow eligible patients to claim a refund for reasonable travel expenses incurred when referred to a hospital or other NHS premises for specialist treatment or diagnostic tests. This is particularly beneficial for those on a low income or receiving certain benefits.

Eligibility for HTCS typically includes individuals receiving:

• Income Support
• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income Based Employment & Support Allowance
• Working Tax Credit (if income is less than £15,050.00)
• Disabled Persons Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit (if income is less than £15,050.00)
• Guaranteed Pension Credit
• HC2 – Full Help Certificate
• HC3 – Partial Help Certificate

For children under 16 travelling for treatment, escort costs for one parent or guardian may be covered. For children aged 16 to 20, they can claim using the parent or guardian’s benefit proof, but escort costs are not typically paid.

To claim under HTCS, you will need:

• Proof of your eligible benefit.
• Proof of travel (e.g., public transport tickets).
• A certificate of attendance claim form, which must be completed by the hospital department you attended.

The car travel mileage rate is usually paid at 14p per mile for a round trip, and fuel receipts are not typically required. If you are not on any of the listed benefits, you may still be able to claim assistance through the NHS Low Income Scheme by obtaining an HC1 Low Income Claim Form from the hospital’s Cashiers Office.

Important Note on Taxi Fares: Taxi fares are generally not refunded unless travel by any other means is impossible, and the journey has been authorised by a consultant or medic, with the certificate of attendance signed accordingly.

For any queries regarding the Cashiers Office or to be put through to them, please ask at the main reception or call the hospital switchboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which bus services stop at Worthing Hospital?
A1: The ‘Pulse’ and number 9 services from Stagecoach South, along with Compass Travel services 16 and 106, serve the hospital. The stop is on Lyndhurst Road.

Q2: How far is Worthing Hospital from Worthing Station?
A2: Worthing Hospital is approximately a 15-minute signposted walk from Worthing Station.

Q3: Is parking available at Worthing Hospital?
A3: Yes, there is a main hospital car park, plus pay-and-display options on Lyndhurst Road and Beach House car parks. However, parking is limited.

Q4: Are there free parking spaces for Blue Badge holders?
A4: Yes, dedicated spaces are available opposite the main public car park, and fees do not apply for Blue Badge holders displaying a valid badge.

Q5: How do I access patient transport if I cannot use public transport?
A5: You may be eligible for the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS). Contact 0300 123 9841 to enquire about eligibility or to arrange transport. If you don't qualify, explore community transport providers like CT Sussex or St John’s Ambulance.

Q6: Can I claim back travel costs for my hospital appointment?
A6: Yes, if you meet certain criteria, particularly regarding income and benefits, you may be able to claim under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS). Check your eligibility and the required documentation.

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