A volunteer-led transport service helping dialysis patients attend hospital appointments in Elgin and Banff is celebrating a year since launch and a rapid expansion which they hope to continue with more local helpers.
The St John Scotland team
got up and running supporting Dr Gray’s Hospital patients get to Elgin in April
2024, in partnership with NHS Grampian. Having started out covering eight
journeys in the first week, they are now covering more than 150 journeys per
month and expanded the service to cover Chalmers Hospital in Banff towards the
end of last year.
Patient transport
coordinator Clifford Eastmond explained: "The volunteer drivers are a
great group who are always willing to help in every way they can. We're now
covering an average of 2,000 miles each month, and we hope to expand this even
further.
“As well as drivers, we
would really like to see volunteer coordinators coming forward who can help to
organise the drivers’ rotas. Whatever your interest or skills, we can almost
certainly use them – so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
The service is enhancing
transport provision provided free of charge to those living 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 between a patient’s home
and the hospital. Volunteers are re-imbursed for mileage, and other expenses
where necessary. They get to choose the days, hours and number of journeys they
are available for, and there is no minimum expectation.
Volunteer driver Nigel Dixon, senior charge nurse Linda Willows and volunteer driver Alastair Maltman outside Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.
Volunteer driver Nigel Dixon commented: "I started my volunteer role at Elgin for the opening in April 2024. It has been a great and fulfilling time for me, being of useful help to patients. The year has flown by, and it is a pleasure what I can contribute."
His colleague and fellow volunteer driver Alastair Maltman added: "Many years ago my late mother was taken to dialysis by volunteers so now I have 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, is keen to thank everyone who is contributing their time to help others. She said: "We are delighted members of the local community volunteer their time to help transport patients to dialysis. This service helps to support people in their local community, and it helps us at NHS Grampian to 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.”
One of the local patients who has been using the service commented: “I had the privilege to use your transport, from where I lived in Portgordon to Chalmers dialysis unit in Banff. I found all three drivers very friendly and safe to be a passenger with. I would recommend the service they provide to any new and existing patients.”
Clifford added: “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 you have. No previous experience is necessary. There’s a great deal of respect out there for volunteers so the thanks you receive is significant and the general feeling you’ve done something good to help others is priceless.”
To find out more about volunteering with St John Scotland, visit https://www.stjohnscotland.org.uk/areas/aberdeen-north-east email info@stjohnscotland.org.uk or call 0131 556 8711.