We know that being a part of the paediatric orthopaedic investigation may mean extra journeys for you and your family. This leaflet explains what help is available with travel and accommodation costs for your appointments, and how to claim this support.
Who can get claim assistance?
Patients and their parents, legal guardians, or carers can get help with travel or accommodation costs when they need to attend appointments for the paediatric orthopaedic investigation at the locations listed below:
- Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH)
- Cambridge and Peterborough Foundation Trust (CPFT), including psychology appointments
- Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH)
You cannot claim if:
- The appointment is not part of this investigation (e.g., private care or second opinions)
- The person claiming is not the child’s parent, guardian, or carer.
Non-urgent advice: How to make a claim
1. Prepare your receipts
Keep all receipts or take clear photos of any costs you have paid. If you are claiming for fuel, include a copy of the clinic letter and proof that you attended the appointment. Receipts must be in the name of the patient or the parent/legal guardian and must be provided at the time of the claim.
2. Submit your claim by email
Email your claim and supporting documents to: cuh.medicolegal@nhs.net
Claims must be submitted after the appointment or accommodation stay has taken place. Claims cannot be submitted in advance.
What happens after you send your claim?
- We will check the claim relates to the investigation and review your documents.
- If approved, payment will be sent to the patient or parent/legal guardian.
- Most claims are processed within 4 weeks.
What costs can be claimed?
Travel
- Fuel (45p per mile, return journey) using the RAC mileage calculator:
https://www.rac.co.uk/route-planner/mileage-calculator/ - Parking and tolls (receipts required)
- Public transport at standard class (receipts required)
- Taxi fares – only if suitable public transport is not appropriate
Accommodation
You may be able to claim for a place to stay at basic room rate (no meals or extras) for:
- The night before surgery
- During you or your child’s admission
To be reimbursed, the booking/receipt needs to be in the name of the patient or their parent/guardian/carer.
If the surgery is at RNOH, reimbursement at basic room rate is only available if you stay at:
- Holiday Inn, Watford
- Premier Inn, London Elstree
- Ramada London North
If surgery is at CUH, costs will only be reimbursed in exceptional cases with prior approval from CUH. Siblings can be included in claims where necessary, but we may ask for proof.
It is important to note:
- You cannot claim if you have already received money for these costs from another NHS scheme.
- All claims must be linked directly to the paediatric orthopaedic investigation at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
- Backdated costs may be reimbursed with supporting evidence. Claims must be submitted by the patient, or the patient’s parent or legal guardian, as soon as possible after the appointment.
- Any disputes relating to payment claims must be submitted by the patient or the patient’s parent/legal guardian via email to cuh.medicolegal@nhs.net
- Payment records are kept for 10 years.
Contact us
You can contact your Case Manager by phone or text on 07719 407 210, or by email at cuh.familyliaison@nhs.net. They are available to answer questions or provide support Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
Please note that your Case Manager cannot submit or approve claims on your behalf. All claims must be sent to cuh.medicolegal@nhs.net.
If you need this information in another format, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
We are smoke-free
Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the hospital campus. For advice and support in quitting, contact your GP or the free NHS stop smoking helpline on 0800 169 0 169.
Other formats
Help accessing this information in other formats is available. To find out more about the services we provide, please visit our patient information help page (see link below) or telephone 01223 256998. www.cuh.nhs.uk/contact-us/accessible-information/
Contact us
Cambridge University Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust
Hills Road, Cambridge
CB2 0QQ
Telephone +44 (0)1223 245151
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/contact-us/contact-enquiries/