A wide-ranging review into the State’s non-emergency patient transport (NEPT) services is underway to ensure the services meet the needs of Victorians.
Releasing the review’s Terms of Reference, Minister for Ambulance Services, Gabrielle Williams said the expanded scope of the review would allow for a more comprehensive look at what was needed to ensure the healthcare and transport services met the needs of the community.
Ms Williams said NEPT services were provided to patients who needed clinical monitoring or supervision during transport between hospitals or between home and hospital, but who did not require a time critical ambulance response.
She said the services also played a critical role in freeing up Ambulance Victoria (AV) emergency crews to respond to the most time critical incidents.
“Currently, NEPT services are largely contracted out to private providers through arrangements with AV and Healthshare Victoria,” Ms Williams said.
“As well as considering future procurement arrangements, the review will also assess the timeliness of current services, how to make full use of the skilled workforce and will explore ways to better coordinate the system so Victorians are connected with the right transport for their specific needs,” she said.
“The review will be guided by conversations with the sector and those who interact with it, including NEPT staff and providers, AV, health services, industrial partners, peak bodies, and most importantly Victorians who use NEPT services.”
Ms Williams said the review would be led by MP for Melton, Steve McGhie, with a final report to be presented by the end of the year.
The review’s Terms of Reference can be accessed at this PS News link.
