Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 18 March 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration is given to patients having to travel long distances for health treatments including breast assessment clinics.
The Scottish Government wants people to be treated as close to home as clinically possible. However, it may not always be possible for Health Boards to provide access locally for all patients and for all services where Health Boards are, for example, constrained by geography or specialist services. In addition, some patients may be offered alternatives out with their local health board area to reduce their waiting time.
We continue to work with NHS Boards to limit the need for travel where possible and clinically appropriate. This includes through increased use of digital and technological solutions, such as Near Me, to improve flexibility of care.
Where travel is necessary, the Scottish Government expects local Health Boards to work collaboratively with each other and transport providers to make suitable arrangements to ensure that the necessary treatment can be provided in a patient-centred way and that disruption to key appointments is kept to a minimum.
Financial support for travel is available for patients and authorised escorts, according to eligibility criteria and medical requirements.
All Boards are expected to support patients and their families in identifying and accessing available support and Board patient travel contacts can provide advice on eligibility and assistance available with bookings and advance payments, where necessary.