Hospital transport is a lifeline for thousands of people living with spinal cord injuries and other complex disabilities. Regular appointments with consultants, respiratory teams, urologists, rehabilitation specialists and therapists are essential to maintaining health and preventing complications. Yet all too often, the weakest link in the journey is simply getting there.

Missed collections, late arrivals and endless waiting can mean cancelled appointments that may have taken months to secure. Even worse, clients can spend hours sitting in wheelchairs before and after appointments because transport schedules don't match the realities of complex care.

The irony is hard to ignore. Hospitals invest millions in specialist staff and equipment, only for the entire appointment to unravel because the transport never made it to the front door. And, as of this writing, each appointment cancellation costs the NHS £177.

For carers, whether employed through an agency or hired directly by the client, these situations are equally frustrating. Entire shifts can be thrown into chaos, carefully planned routines have to be abandoned, and everyone is left trying to rearrange a day that was organised around a service outside their control.

At Fellow Carer, we believe understanding the wider challenges of living with a spinal cord injury is just as important as learning the practical care skills. Our training helps carers appreciate the realities that clients face every single day—because great care extends well beyond the bedside.

Have you ever had a hospital appointment disrupted because transport failed to arrive on time? We'd love to hear your experiences and any ideas that could help improve the service for everyone.