A non-emergency transport service completed a record number of patient journeys last year, according to new figures.

The Patient Transport Service (PTS) travelled more than six million miles in 2016/17 and conducted more than 530,000 journeys – taking patients to and from routine appointments.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) currently runs PTS contracts in Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, South Essex, North Essex, West Essex and Great Yarmouth and Waveney with more than 500 staff, 138 volunteers and 166 vehicles.

The Trust is this week running a PTS Takeover where staff and volunteers will be talking about their roles for the non-emergency service.

Liz McEwan, head of urgent and scheduled care for EEAST, said: “Our Patient Transport Service is an important cog in the running of the NHS and a lifeline for thousands of patients. Many of our patients physically could not get to hospital without the help of our staff.

“Working for PTS is a rewarding role for people interested in patient care.”