Saturday, May 17, 2008
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CAN YOU DRIVE FOR THE HOSPICE?

By Emily Pearce - Friday, May 9, 2008
THE Earl Mountbatten Hospice has been forced to cancel patient appointments due to a desperate shortage of drivers.
It has issued an urgent appeal for volunteers who could spare a couple of hours each week driving patients to and from the hospice’s day care unit.
Hilary Foreman, head of personnel and voluntary services, said: “We are totally dependent on voluntary drivers and we are having to cancel patients’ day care appointments. We are trying to make sure everyone gets at least one visit per week, but we feel dreadful for failing our patients.
“The day care unit is a valuable resource. People come here for physiotherapy and complementary therapies, but also for emotional support. The day care unit is a lifeline for a tremendous number of people.
“I have been here for six years and I can’t remember a situation like this arising before. We have always managed, but a lot of our drivers are sick at the moment.”
Volunteer drivers are invaluable to hospice patients because of the personal service they provide, and they are a friendly face for the patients they see regularly.
Anyone who would like to help can contact Hilary or Pam Hughes at the hospice on 528956.