Glasgow SNP MSP and depute convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee Bob Doris has hailed the introduction of a new direct patient booking line for the Patient Transport Service. Staff at the Ambulance Service call centre in Inverness now have more information available about individual patient needs which means they are better equipped to provide a service tailored to each patient.

Since the service was launched in the north of Scotland in April it has already received more than 6,000 calls. The service became available to Glasgow patients on 26 June.

Mr Doris said: “At the Scottish Parliament Health Committee we are constantly looking at new ways of improving the experience of patients in our NHS. Sometimes it’s quite simple ideas that have the greatest impact.

“Patients in Glasgow who have mobility or health issues which make them reliant on the Patient Transport Service will now receive a higher standard of care.

“The new 0300 1231236 number is also complimented by a text relay service for the deaf.

“Investment in new in-vehicle technology also helps to plan the service and to make sure patients are catered for in a way that is sensitive to their exact requirements.

“I wish the Ambulance Service well in the continued successful rollout of the project to the East of Scotland and I believe the improvements in patient experience will be dramatic.”