Transport to hospital appt for elderly patient

[Gherkingreen]

MIL, 80, has been given an essential hospital appt more than 30 miles from her home this week. She's been unwell for 2 years and isn't confident to drive that far at the moment.
Letter arrived late last week & none of the volunteer transport services can accommodate her as too short notice.
No family nearby and friends unavailable (we live 300+ miles away.)
We're looking at booking a private taxi, quotes around £150 return. Does anyone know if she may be able to claim some of the cost back?

You could try age concern. DH's grandparents both volunteer as hospital drivers (helps justify having a car). Some patients come through the hospital but quite a few heard of the service from Age Concern.

Try your local Healthwatch Cornwall - they may be able to advise

www.healthwatchcornwall.co.uk/contact-us

Quick update: spoke to hospital Patient Experience team who provided named person in transport team, who is sending a form to MIL to claim back cost of taxi through pension credit system as they can't provide transport for this essential, long awaited appt.
Don't particularly want to take £ away from an already underfunded NHS but also don't want MIL to pay £150.
@Augend23 and all, thanks so much for your suggestions and help. Will definitely use volunteer transport next time when hopefully we'll have more notice to book.

Glad it is resolved! Get the agreement to fund a taxi in writing if you can, just because they normally.push for public transport or fuel costs.