"Slow Processing...."

Dear taloner54,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience regarding Patient Assistance Travel Scheme (PATS) process. I would like to apologise to you for the inconvenience you have experienced with the application process. The PATS scheme is designed to support patients to access care not available in the local community and we aim for all applications to be completed within a 10 week time frame and I’m sorry yours wasn’t processed in time. I understand the PATS process you recently experienced, has been disappointing for you, and would like to reassure you improvements are being made to ensure the application process will become much more efficient.

PATS is developing an online portal to give patients more autonomy and visibility of their own PATS applications as well as improve efficiency of the application, approval and payment process. This will give patients the option to submit their applications online and keep track of their subsidy payments. PATS Online will be piloted in the Pilbara mid-2021 and expanded to all country WA by the end of 2022. For further information you can visit the PATS website: http://www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au/index.php?id=2906

I trust the information above has satisfied your concerns. If you would like to discuss the above matter further please contact Margaret Smillie, who is the WACHS Goldfields Regional PATS Coordinator, on 9079 8071.

Yours Sincerely

Peter Tredinnick

Regional Director

WACHS Goldfields