We understand that getting to and from treatment can be challenging and particularly difficult if you have multiple appointments at facilities far from home.
Refer a patient Volunteer as a driver Donate
Transport to cancer 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.
How you can access Transport to Treatment
You can access this by:
- calling our Information & Support Line on 13 11 20
- speaking to a Cancer Council Liaison if there is one based at your treatment centre (see list here)
- speaking to a healthcare professional at your treatment centre and they can refer you.
We have a strict cut-off point of midday on 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.
We are unable to offer transport support in the Greater Sydney area, please speak to your health care professional about alternative transport options available. 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.
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.
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
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:
- People 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 endeavor 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 completing a request through the Health Care Professional Portal. Once the request is received, we’ll contact you or your nominated contact person to confirm your transport to treatment requirements.
