Patient Assisted Transport Scheme

In reply to the Hon. S.L. GAME ().1 November 2023).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Health and Wellbeing has advised:

The Patient Assistance Transport Scheme is constantly reviewing eligibility criteria and provides recommendations to improve the scheme in line with community needs and the intended purpose of the scheme. In 2023 there have been three significant improvements to the scheme. Increasing the travel subsidy to 32 cents per kilometre, introducing a ferry subsidy for all Kangaroo Island residents and a subsidy for patients travelling for prosthetics and orthotics have all been implemented.

In addition to these recent improvements, the PATS Aboriginal Engagement Strategy was introduced to ensure the scheme is more accessible, flexible, easier to understand and provides support for Aboriginal patients travelling for medical treatment.

Feedback from clients and consultation with relevant stakeholders are also taken into consideration when creating or modifying criteria to ensure ongoing support of regional treatment and treatment options. This is essential in providing support that meets the needs of patients who have no option but to travel over 100 kilometres for specialised treatment.