Several sub-contractors working with NHS contractor Coperforma have stated that they could not ensure effective and efficient transport operations since the system used by the contractor is lacking. Furthermore, the problem has worsened because Coperforma has hired inexperienced staff, and too many top executives from Coperforma are trying to run the show.

NHS contractors working on a sub-contract basis for Coperforma have stated that the company is not paying invoices on time. The sub-contractors go on to state that the local clinical commissioning group (CCG) should take action right away before the patient transport service breaks down altogether.

Coperforma took over the patient transport service in April, and was immediately accused of substandard service and delays. However, since then, the company has improved the transport service substantially. It has refuted the allegations made by the sub-contractors, stating that payments to them were up to date.

A spokesperson for the medical contractor said that Coperforma did not have any financial problems and was handling payments to the sub-contractors using the best business practices.

However, Coperforma’s claims did not allay fears. Now, MPs from Hastings and Rye, Battle, and Bexhill have asked the High Weald Lewes Havens CCG to look into the matter.

The contract to Coperforma was commissioned by local doctors. Battle MP Huw Merriman stated that the issue was a cause for concern since the local CCG had not hired the sub-contractors. It was Coperforma that had contracted the companies.

Merriman said that if the drivers are not paid, the patient transport would suffer, and that is why the three MPs from the county were urging the local CCG to get involved and ensure that the transport services for patients are not adversely affected. If this required altering the way the contract is structured, the CCG should have no qualms in considering it.