Getting to and from treatment can be challenging for cancer patients and their carers. It can be particularly difficult if they have multiple appointments at facilities far from home.
Refer a patient Volunteer as a driver Donate
For all new patients requiring transport, please ask your healthcare professional to complete an online request form, or you can call 13 11 20.
We have a strict cut off point of midday Thursday for all transport requests for the following week. If your transport is urgent (i.e. required in the current week), make alternative travel arrangements or move your appointment to the following week.
We are unable to offer transport support in the Greater Sydney area. Our priority is supporting people in rural and regional areas where there is a lack of public transport, ride sharing and community transport, and people are disadvantaged by distance to access cancer treatment. Please call 13 11 20 to understand what other support we might be able to offer to eligible clients.
The drivers just took all the stress out of it for us. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough. I just think it’s one of the best things ever. Helen, daughter of a Transport to Treatment client
Community transport
Community transport is a service for eligible seniors, pensioners, and those with accessibility needs or limited access to public transport.
The service can help people travel to medical appointments, shops and social activities.
Find your local community transport service.
Cancer Council NSW’s Transport to Treatment
Transport to Treatment is a free service for people who can’t access Community Transport Services or have other transport barriers.
Trips are made by trained volunteers using Cancer Council NSW vehicles.
Eligible patients can access Transport to Treatment through a referral from a healthcare professional.
Isolated Patient Transport and Accommodation Assistance Scheme
Eligible patients who need to travel far for treatment can receive financial assistance through the Isolated Patient Transport and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS).
The NSW Government scheme covers some of the transport and accommodation costs of travelling to treatment.
Visit the IPTAAS website for the eligibility criteria and to register. For help, call 1800 IPTAAS (1800 478 227) or email Iptaas@health.nsw.gov.au.
Your questions about transport
Transport to Treatment Service
Eligibility criteria:
- be over 18 years of age and have a cancer diagnosis that is impacting their ability to travel to/from cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation or targeted therapy and clinical trials);
- be unable to drive at present or unable to use or access community transport options or family/ friends
- have a cancer-related appointment between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday
- be able to walk unassisted for at least 20 metres and do not have an oxygen device
- does not hold a DVA card and/not using My Aged Care for transport.
Additional notes:
- Patients undergoing radiation therapy may access up to three trips per week when available.
- Priority will be given to those undergoing active treatment over cancer related appointments.
- We will endeavour to fulfil non-treatment related appointments (for example, scans or specialist appointments), however, this is subject to service availability.
Healthcare professionals can refer their patients by filling a booking request form below. After submitting the form, we will send an email advising that we’ve received the request.
We’ll contact the patient or their nominated contact person to check availability, confirm and schedule their transport to treatment requirements.
