The Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) provides some reimbursement to country patients and approved escorts for travel and accommodation costs.
Accommodation and travel to Port Pirie Regional Health Service
Accommodation
For patients and visitors who need accommodation there are suitable choices close to the hospital. Tourism SA provide information on accommodation across South Australia.
Travel
Bus services
Spencer Gulf Coaches Telephone: (08) 8632 2666
Premier Stateliner telephone: (08) 8362 4630
Taxi services
Telephone : 131 008
Ambulance services
If a patient is transported to or from the hospital by ambulance, or between hospitals at the patient's request, they will be responsible for payments of any SA Ambulance Service accounts for transport.
Transport home
Patients can only leave the hospital by ambulance if it is medically recommended by their doctor.
Please plan ahead and make private arrangements for your trip home if you are well enough to travel by car or public transport.
The Red Cross may be able to help patients via their transport service.
All babies traveling home by car must travel in a fitted car seat or capsule. Local taxis can provide a cab with a capsule if ordered in advance.
Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS)
The Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) makes specialist medical services more accessible to rural Australians by assisting with the cost of transport and accommodation expenses when travel is more than 100 kilometres (each way) to the nearest medical specialist.
For more information contact your local PATS office.