SIR - I write after reading an article concerning the lack of transport for elderly patients to Gloucestershire Royal in last Friday's Gazette. I am surprised that Barbara Weldon did not point out that there is at least one volunteer organisation in the Dursley area willing to take patients to Gloucestershire hospitals and wait whilst they have treatment before returning them home.
I am the transport organiser for the Dursley and District Good Neighbours Scheme. We currently have nine volunteer drivers who work very hard to meet the needs of elderly members of the local community. During 2004 we made 298 trips to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, as well as 44 to Cheltenham, 59 to Berkeley and 53 to Stroud hospitals.
We have also carried people to the local clinics, surgeries, opticians and dentists. Over the year we made more than 700 journeys and waited countless hours whilst patients received their treatment, often taking them for follow-up treatment. We have served over 300 patients during the last three years.
It is true that we do not operate from doctors' surgeries. People so ill they need taking straight to the hospital from the surgery surely need an ambulance? Most people have to wait weeks, if not months, to get a hospital appointment. We require a minimum of 48 hours notice to arrange a journey to a medical appointment for an elderly or disabled adult patient. Those requiring transport are expected to pay a mileage charge to cover expenses.
Like most organisations, we are very short of volunteers. Our drivers are all pensioners themselves; most have given years of voluntary service. We do need younger pensioners to come forward to help otherwise the service will die. All they need is a car, a clean driving licence and a desire to help others. Those interested can contact me on 01453 548474.
Dawn Elsdon, Orchard Leaze, Cam
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