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<p>The Department of Health does not collect data centrally on the cost of travel
to hospital appointments; this is a matter for local NHS organisations.</p><p>The
Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme is part of the NHS Low Income Scheme, and was set up
to provide financial assistance to those patients who do not have a medical need for
Hospital or ambulance transport, but who require assistance with their travel costs.
The scheme is run locally by the NHS and is funded from local budgets rather than
centrally forming part of the overall NHS cash Allocation.</p><p> </p><p>All claimants
that attend an appointment for a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) are entitled to
claim back any reasonable travel costs incurred. The Department does not break down
the cost of travel to WCA for recipients of Employment and Support Allowance to Work
Related Activity Group level but, per claimant, in total, that has actually made a
claim for expenses, during the period March 2015 to May 2015 the average cost was
between £8.75 - £8.90</p><p> </p><p>Claimants that attend an appointment at a jobcentre
are refunded travel costs in appropriate circumstances. The Department does not break
down the cost of travel to jobcentres for recipients of Employment and Support Allowance
to Work Related Activity Group level.</p>
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