The region’s ambulance trust will be proving it’s more than just a 999 service when it shines a light on some of its non-emergency operations this week.

As part of its takeover week campaign, the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) wants people to learn more about the Patient Transport Service it runs in parts of the region.

Using social media platforms and videos, the takeover will run between Wednesday and Sunday, and give an insight into the staff and volunteers who work in the non-emergency arm of the service, and promote the service to people who might be eligible to use it but aren’t aware they can get help with transport to hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Liz McEwan, Head of Patient Transport Services for EEAST, said: “Nearly 530 people work and volunteer in our PTS teams, ensuring nearly 500,000 journeys are year run as smoothly as possible for all of those people who need us.

“We’re a lifeline to our users – with many patients have routine and regular check-ups, they get to know our staff and volunteers really well.

"We want to champion what we do whilst at the same time hopefully raise more awareness of it amongst people who could benefit from using the services.”

The service will be using the #PTStakeover on Twitter, and users of facebook and You Tube will also be able to view materials.

If you’d like to learn more about the PTS service for yourself on on behalf of a family member or friend, visit http://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/our-services/patient-transport-services.htm.

The ambulance service runs PTS in parts of Essex, Cambridgeshire, Great Yarmouth and Waveney, and Suffolk.

The teams help people to and from healthcare appointments at hospitals and other similar centres, using ambulances and private cars.