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Award marks contribution of Volunteer Driver Service to patient transport
09/05/2022
A team of volunteer drivers ensure those in need don’t have to worry about transportation
The North Oxfordshire Volunteer Driver Service (VDS) has received an award from South Central Ambulance Service. The award was made last week in recognition of the outstanding service and commitment the Volunteer Driver Service gives to the ambulance service.
In using the VDS team South Central are able to relieve the pressure on their own ambulances. Last year the service’s volunteer drivers undertook around 7,000 patient transport journeys to and from hospital appointments.
The VDS team, which is part of the Citizen’s Advice service, also offers community transport trips to people in need. It was pivotal in providing transport to help get individuals to appointments for their jabs during the vaccination programme.
On receiving the award Keith Davies, the Volunteer Driver Service Manager, said: “We’re over the moon. We all work really hard to provide this service. Some of the appointments can be very early in the morning and others are late at night.
“We’ve been working with South Central Ambulance Service since September 2019. We had to take a 16 week break during the pandemic due to social distancing rules, but have worked hard to build the service back up.”
This latest award joins other accolades the Volunteer Driver Service has received, including being named the Volunteer Group of the Year, a High Sheriff award, a Local Hero Award from MP Victoria Prentis and a nomination for a Queen’s Award.
The VDS team operate fully within NHS rules to ensure the safety of the people they transport. Currently around 75 drivers volunteer within North Oxfordshire, but the service is always on the lookout for more, particularly people who are based in the town.
Keith said: “Drivers are the key to this. If I had twice the number of drivers I could fill twice the number of appointments.” Anyone who is interested in finding out more about what is involved can email info@volunteerdriverservice.org.uk or call 0300 303 0125.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam