A watchdog has been asked to investigate a decision to stop people travelling with patients being taken by ambulance to hospital for an appointment.

South East Coast Ambulance Service only allows a friend or relative to accompany people who are blind or suffering from dementia.

The decision affects people using the patient transport service that takes them to and from hospital for planned appointments.

It does not apply to 999 emergency calls.

The issue has been brought to the attention of the Brighton and Hove health overview and scrutiny committee by city councillor Jeane Lepper.

Coun Lepper was contacted by an elderly constituent who was told by the ambulance service that escorts would no longer be able to accompany them in the ambulance.

Her friend and neighbour was unable to accompany her and had to take a taxi – causing her extra anxiety and stress.

Coun Lepper said: “Many people have a friend who comes along with them to hospital, providing reassurance and help. But now these escorts have been told to make their own way to the hospital, often having to take a taxi at their own expense.

“I understand that the ambulance service has to maximize the space available in their vehicles but this decision is causing a lot of anxiety.

“Many people who want someone to go with them are frail and vulnerable and rely on that extra support.”

An ambulance service spokesman said: “We allow relatives or friends to accompany patients when they are being transported to hospital following a 999 call, where appropriate.

“The policy for transporting patients using our patient transport service for outpatient appointments is governed by the hospitals which commission our services.

“Where there is a clear requirement because of a patient’s condition that they are accompanied by an escort then these will be seriously considered under the agreed eligibility criteria.

“If Coun Lepper or the patient would be willing to forward us the details of this case, we would be happy to look into this matter on their behalf.

“It is important to us that we improve the service we provide. We can only do this if people inform us of their concerns or issues.”