15 April 2015
More volunteer car drivers are being recruited to join a network of people who transport patients to hospital appointments and day centres.
The Ambulance Service are seeking six more Islanders to help boost the numbers of the successful car driving scheme. Nine volunteer drivers already provide transport to patients.
The scheme was adopted in Jersey during the 1990s and was boosted in 2012, when more volunteer drivers were recruited by Jersey’s Ambulance Service, which oversees the volunteer drivers.
Journeys last year
Last year, the drivers in the scheme, who use their own cars to transport patients, undertook approximately 5,500 journeys.
A review in 2012 showed that more journeys could be safely undertaken by volunteers, allowing ambulance staff to focus on those patients requiring more specialist supervision during transport.
Mike Judge, Operations Manager for the Ambulance Service, said "We are really pleased that the voluntary car service scheme has been a success and we are now hoping more people who would like to be involved will come forward and join us. It assists the Ambulance Service, is appreciated by those who use it and the volunteer drivers also enjoy the service they provide."
Mileage allowance
Volunteers will be asked to undertake a basic driving assessment and also have a criminal records check, which is standard for all staff who come into contact with patients. They can claim back petrol money, through a mileage allowance, but are not given a salary.
It is hoped that new volunteers will be trained and in place ready to join the existing team as soon as possible.
Anyone who would like to find out more about the scheme is asked to contact Mary Burnett at the Ambulance Service.
Call the Ambulance Service on (01534) 444710.
gov.je