Patient driver volunteer

Purpose of this role

Drivers work as part of the Living Well Centre team providing patient transport. Using their own cars, drivers bring patients to and from the Hospice sites in St Albans and Watford, to attend day services and medical appointments.  

Main tasks

·      providing a safe, reliable transport service for patients to and from a Hospice location using your own car. We do not offer a transport service to any other location

·      assisting patients to and from their front door 

·      assisting and supporting patients in and out of the car where necessary, with particular care and consideration whilst driving to take account of the fragile nature of some of our patients

·      responding promptly to messages from the transport co-ordinator/patient services admin by mobile phone and email – our patients’ conditions can change very rapidly, meaning that changes often occur at the last minute

·      passing on any concerns or feedback about the patients to the transport co-ordinator or clinicians

·      making sure your mobile phone is with you and switched on at all times while volunteering

·      maintaining clear boundaries: you are providing a professional service on behalf of Rennie Grove Peace and are not the patients’ “friend”. You must not share your personal contact details with a patient or ask them to share them with you

What are we looking for?

 ·      Age 18+

·      A friendly, calm, outgoing manner and ability to communicate with a range of people 

·      an empathetic and friendly person

·      be able and willing to maintain strict confidentiality at all times 

·      be reliable, punctual, honest, flexible and trustworthy.

·      committed to providing a professional service with understanding that plans may change at short notice.

·      willingness to undertake additional, mandatory training when requested 

·      someone who is able to assist patients in and out of your car and to manoeuvre wheelchairs

·      someone who is comfortable and competent with the use of email and mobile phones and understands the need for prompt communication

Other requirements 

·      clean and current driving licence 

·      fully comprehensive insurance with voluntary driving and potential to carry medical oxygen declared on policy 

·      if using your own vehicle, it should be taxed, MOT tested and roadworthy 

·      please note we will need evidence of the above documents, as well as an online DVLA licence check when you start volunteering and then annually thereafter 

What's in it for you?

• our volunteer drivers say that they get tremendous satisfaction knowing that they are able to lighten someone's day
• you will be using your driving and listening skills to help people at a difficult time of their lives
• the team is a friendly and supportive one, and the drivers enjoy the social aspect of the role