Moray and Aberdeenshire volunteer drivers helping patients get to hospital in Elgin and Banff
A volunteer-led transport service helping dialysis patients attend hospital appointments in Elgin and Banff is looking for more helpers.
The St John Scotland team is celebrating a year since it set up the service in partnership with NHS Grampian to support Dr Gray’s Hospital patients.
Having started by covering eight journeys in its first week, it is now doing more than 150 per month. In addition, towards the end of last year, it expanded to cover Chalmers Hospital in Banff as well.
Patient transport coordinator Clifford Eastmond said: "The volunteer drivers are a great group who are always willing to help in every way they can. We're now covering an average 2000 miles each month and hope to expand this even further.
“No previous experience is necessary and there’s a great deal of respect out there for volunteers. The thanks you receive is significant and the general feeling you’ve done something good to help others is priceless.
“We’d also really like to see folk coming forward who can help organise the drivers’ rotas. Whatever your interests or skills, we can almost certainly use them – so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
“For anyone who hasn’t volunteered before and isn’t sure what to expect, there’s a warm welcome waiting for you and we’re happy to answer any questions.”
The service is provided free of charge to people with chronic kidney disease in Moray and Banffshire.
It runs six days per week, with volunteers using their own cars to provide door-to-door transport.
There are no expectations regarding a minimum number of journeys, while mileage and other necessary expenses are reimbursed.
Volunteer driver Nigel Dixon said: "I started my role at Elgin for the opening in April last year. The year has flown by and it’s a pleasure to contribute."
His colleague Alastair Maltman added: "Many years ago my late mother was taken to dialysis by volunteers, so now I’ve retired I have the opportunity to assist in a small way, as I know how much she appreciated the service.”
NHS Grampian senior charge nurse Linda Willows, who looks after the renal unit at Dr Gray’s, is keen to thank everyone.
She said: "The service helps us provide essential transport to patients who have to attend hospital multiple times per week. More volunteers in the area would ensure that this support can continue in the future.”
Find out more by visiting St John Scotland’s website, emailing info@stjohnscotland.org.uk or calling 0131 556 8711.
