The Welsh Ambulance Service has launched an enhanced SMS text service to give patients more control over their Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) bookings.

Currently used by around a third of patients in Wales, the service is being rolled out to all users, allowing patients to confirm or cancel their transport bookings via text. After the initial booking confirmation, patients will receive a reminder on the morning of their transport, with an option to cancel by replying "cancel."

A key improvement arriving in April will notify patients when the vehicle is en route.

Karl Hughes, Head of Service for Ambulance Care, said: “This is a service development that is long overdue and will massively improve the interface between the service and the patient.

“For the patient, it’s always reassuring to get these informative texts but now they will have an added opportunity to cancel their request even up to the point where the vehicle has just left and is on its way to collect them.

“This will greatly improve our overall quality and service delivery.

“We will also continue looking at ways to enhance the service we offer by looking at other development areas that could improve the overall experience for the patient.”

The new service aims to reduce the number of last-minute cancellations, making it easier to reallocate transport to other patients. It is expected to cut down on unnecessary trips, saving fuel, reducing costs, and lowering emissions.