Our patient transport service
If you have a medical reason why you can’t use community, public or private transport, you may be able to use a non-urgent ambulance.
We can pick you up and drop you off at health care services including hospitals and other places such as kidney or cancer units.
Who can use this service
You can use our service if you have a medical condition or disability and can’t use other transport for any of the following reasons.
- Must travel on a stretcher
- Need medical management or monitoring during the trip
- Have a medical condition that may cause serious embarrassment or discomfort to yourself or other people using public transport
- Have a cognitive disability that may cause socially unacceptable behaviour or need constant support using public transport
Booking transport for yourself
Only registered health care facilities can book patient transport.
Booking transport for your patient
You can book transport if you're a registered Medical Practitioner and work in a:
- public or private hospital
- aged care service
- nursing home
- GP surgery.
All requests should be sent using the Non-emergency Patient Transport (NEPT) booking request system. Facilities will need to provide the following information about the patient.
Patient information
- Name, age, date of birth and gender
- Phone number and home address
- Clinical condition and reason for QAS transport
- Special services required during transport
- If they have any special care needs
Transport information
- Pick up and drop off facility and address
- Date and time for pick up
- Name of the doctor authorising the transport
We’ll give an estimated pick up time when we process the request.
Pick up information
The person making your booking will tell you what time you need to be ready for pick up. We try to arrive as close as possible to your pick up time, but if we're running late, we'll let you know.
If we have other patients going in a similar direction, they’ll be transported with you. This may mean there are multiple pick ups and drop offs during your trip.
If you have any special needs, please let us know when we pick you up.
Preparing for your trip
Your doctor or health care provider will give us details about your medical condition before your trip.
What you can bring with you
You can bring:
- one small bag - about the size of a carry on suitcase, up to 34 cm tall including any wheels or handles
- one other item, such as a handbag or laptop.
Your bag must weigh less than 10 kg.
You can’t bring other mobility devices, such as your wheelchair.
What to pack for a stay in hospital
Your medications
Bringing your medication will help with your care in hospital.
Your glasses or contact lenses
Don't forget accessories like contact lens solution if you need it.
Any medical devices
For example, insulin devices, hearing aids, sleep apnoea device. If possible, put a name label on your devices.
Medicare and other health cards
Bring any health care cards including:
- Medicare
- Private health
- Veteran affairs
- Pension or concession cards
- Travel insurance information and passport for international visitors.
Medical and other important documents
For example:
- Recent test results like x-rays or scans
- Referral letter
- Advance health directive
- Enduring Power of Attorney
- Details of your next of kin
- WorkCover claim details.
Comfortable clothes
Including some warm clothes or a jacket and shoes that are supportive and non-slip.
Toiletries and other personal items
For example dentures, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant.
Mobile phone
Don't forget to bring your charger and some headphones.
Something to do
For example a book, small game or toy.
A small amount of money
To buy low-cost items during your stay. Don't bring large amounts of money or valuables.
House keys
For when you return home.
Download a fact sheet to keep as a reminder of what you should bring with you to hospital [PDF 3612.12 KB].
Who you can bring with you
You can bring one parent or carer with you if you’re under 16 or you need more support.
Bringing your service animal
No animals including registered assistance animals are permitted within an Ambulance.
Other transport options
If you can't use our transport service, the Queensland Government website has information about the following services you may be able to use.
- Community transport program
- Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) for people with disability
- Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) for people who can't access local medical services