Volunteer driver scheme launched at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

The Volunteer Drivers scheme, which will be funded by the N&N Hospitals Charity, is available to patients who are discharged via the hospital’s Aylsham Discharge Suite provided they are relatively mobile and able to transfer from a wheelchair to the car.

It is believed to be among the first hospital-run schemes of its kind in the country.

It will run alongside existing non-emergency ambulance transfer services to provide an option for patients who do not need an ambulance, but would otherwise struggle to get home due to illness, time or financial constraints or are simply facing a long wait for taxis, public transport or friends and relatives.

Volunteer Driver Coordinator Jamie Goodman, who will manage the project, said: “Patients using the service will be taken home by drivers who are equipped to deal with any situation which may occur on the journey to the patient’s home, have undergone DBS screening and a driving assessment by the Road Safety Team at Norfolk County Council.

“They will assist the patient into their home and, if necessary, can hand over to a volunteer from the Settle-in team who will help ease the patient back into their surroundings.”

Link to the original post: http://www.nnuh.nhs.uk/news/2020/02/charity-funds-unique-volunteer-driver-service-for-patients/