Volunteer Drivers have changed Niccola’s life

At 51, Niccola Bardi faces a demanding reality - traveling three times a week from her home in Newport, Shropshire, to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for life-preserving kidney dialysis. This treatment, essential to manage her genetic condition, polycystic kidney disease, requires four exhausting hours each session, leaving her drained yet determined.

Before the volunteer driver scheme began supporting her, Niccola relied on ambulance transport. While grateful, she often faced long waits due to high demand, adding stress and fatigue to an already challenging routine.

“Even when your transport is on time, you have to get up at 5am for a 6am pick-up, followed by a long journey and then dialysis. Any delay just adds to the anxiety,” she explains.

That’s where the volunteer drivers stepped in, changing Niccola’s experience profoundly.

“It’s not the same person every day, but I know all of them now. Having a friendly face waiting at exactly the right time is such a relief,” she shares. The kindness and reliability of these volunteers bring comfort beyond transport - they offer companionship, easing the emotional weight of constant treatment.”

The Volunteer Discharge Driver Service, developed by The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) in partnership with Helpforce, has made a significant impact. Over six months, 17 volunteers completed more than 660 journeys, supporting patients like Niccola who need non-emergency hospital transport. Beyond rides, volunteers deliver medications, equipment, and discharge letters, and help patients settle in at home, ensuring their basic needs are met.

Helpforce’s evaluation found that 98% of patients were collected within 30 minutes of discharge, improving patient flow through hospitals and reducing pressure on ambulance services. Niccola appreciates this dual benefit: “The volunteer drivers’ free up ambulances to focus on emergencies. It’s a lifesaver for both patients and the NHS.”

For Niccola, the scheme has profound. “Constant dialysis impacts every part of your life. Knowing I’ll get home safely, surrounded by care and kindness, stops me stressing about my treatment. I look forward to the chats and laughs with the drivers.”

Her story highlights the vital role volunteers play in healthcare, not only easing logistical challenges but also offering human connection when it matters most. Working alongside SaTH and Helpforce, these volunteers embody a spirit of care that transforms lives - one journey at a time.

Read more stories from the Volunteer Discharge Driver Service at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) here.