Well Worth Looking Into

[AndrewT]

Dear Everyone,

Yesterday I had one of my routine, three or four times a year, 'Check Ups' with my Consultant. Ordinarily my Mother, who accompanies me, Drives me to the Hospital however, on this occasion, we managed to Book a 'Voluntary' Driver- Jeff. This, very kind, man Arrived at my Address- having already 'Picked Up' my Mother- shortly after nine. The Journey was both comfortable, and even, Air Conditioned. I arrived, at the Hospital, in 'good' Time for my Appointment and Jeff was Waiting, when I finished.

The Hospital has a Restaurant, in which we all ate (it being Lunch Time) I bought the Meals- which were both 'Good' and, Very 'Reasonably' Priced.

How much did this, 'return trip'- of some Thirty Five miles cost? Actually, due to a Subsidy/ Grant, NOTHING at all. Ok it is Only for Medical Appointments and Does 'rely' on a Driver being 'Available' but still! Yes, I know, that I bought Jeff a 'lunch' but I would have done That anyway.

I live in Essex and Don't know if this Service is available elsewhere, but it Must be, at least, Worth A Try.

AndrewT

[zoe69 Moderator Volunteer Vasculitis UK]

Thank you for sharing this Andrew. I didn't know anything about it.

[Marcy47]

We have a volunteer driver service here in the West Country called Link, you have to book it in advance and they like you to make a donation towards the cost depending on what you can afford. I use it for hospital appointments in the winter as I don't like to drive in the dark.

[Nadine99]

We have a similar one here in Lincs which we haven't had to use yet, and they charge so much a mile plus my mother uses one in Sherborne which has been wonderful for her, they do any sort of trip, not just medical. If someone needs to know where to find these people, ask at your surgery.

[Varp]

A great service i was not aware of. Will check it out in my area. Thank you.