For an appointment at Gilbert Bain Hospital
If you fall into any category outlined on the Help with Travel Costs page, you can claim towards your travel costs to an appointment at Gilbert Bain Hospital.
If you live on an island where you travel to mainland Shetland by air rather than by inter-island ferry, please contact Patient Travel. They will book a flight for you.
If you don’t have access to your own transport, or you can’t use public transport, please see below for possible options.
If you have restricted mobility, you may be able to use the Scottish Ambulance Service Patient Transport Service. Please see below for details.
Voluntary Sector
Shetland Health Board works in partnership with the voluntary sector to help people get to NHS appointments.
Red Cross
Shetland Health Board works in partnership with the Red Cross. Its volunteers drive patients to Gilbert Bain Hospital.
Please call 07880 750445 to book a Red Cross car. You’ll reach a voicemail where you can leave a message with details of your appointment and your contact information. You should call as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours before your appointment.
The Red Cross Travel Co-ordinator will call you back between 5pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday, to confirm arrangements.
Royal Voluntary Service (RVS)
RVS volunteers drive patients to health centres, dental surgeries and Gilbert Bain Hospital for a small charge.
Please book a few days in advance by calling 01595 743914 or e-mailing shetlandsupport@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
Scottish Ambulance Service Patient Transport Service
The Patient Transport Service is available on the Shetland mainland. It’s a free service for patients who meet the following criteria:
- You require assistance from skilled ambulance staff
- You have a medical condition that prevents you from travelling to hospital by any other means
- You have a medical condition that might put you at risk of harm if you were to travel independently
- You have mobility difficulties that mean you require the assistance of ambulance care staff; or
- You’re attending hospital for treatment which might have side effects, and you require ambulance care on the return journey.
You can find more information, including contact details, on the Scottish Ambulance Service website.