Volunteer drivers go the extra mile in snow for patients
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust are proud of the extra mile their volunteer drivers are going in the current challenging weather conditions to ensure their patients get to their appointments.
While all NHS staff are appreciated and their dedication acknowledged in these cold and treacherous weather conditions, the Trust wants to also shout about the commitment of their team of volunteer drivers, without whom they could not operate.
Sam Moss, Logistics Co-ordinator at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust co-ordinates the Volunteer Drivers Scheme. Sam said: “We run the Volunteer Drivers Services which helps our patients get to their appointments. I have been so proud of the volunteers over the last couple of days; not one of them has called to say they cannot or don’t want to work.
“On Thursday one of my drivers didn’t get home until after 9pm to ensure all of his patients were collected and taken home safely. We normally finish for the day around 4.30pm. Some of my drivers live in rural areas and have travelled across to Nuneaton to collect patients from Rugby to take to Warwick. Some have travelled extra mileage to ensure the patients are not stuck in the car for too long in heavy traffic. Drivers have also ensured patients have enough medication to last until their next appointment if the patient chose not to attend.
“I want to say how proud I am of all of the volunteer drivers and thank them for their commitment to their role, especially in such difficult weather conditions. We couldn’t manage without them.”
Carole Wells, Senior Facilities Manager at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “I re-iterate everything Sam has said. We are so thankful to and proud of all our volunteer drivers, and we are always looking for more. If anyone feels it is a role they would like to do, please visit www.jobs.nhs.uk or for more information call 02476 321493 or email logistics@covwarkpt.nhs.uk. We’d love to hear from you.”
For more information about Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, visit www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk.