Volunteering News
Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Driving support for patients
Volunteers are getting behind the wheel in Mid and West Wales to help provide care for their communities. Welsh Ambulance Service volunteer ambulance car drivers are helping mobile patients get the treatment they need, right from their own doorstep to hospital and back again.
When volunteer drivers step in to transport patients, they are helping Patient Care Service look after patients who need the assistance of ambulance transport. Teifion Morris, of Cardigan, has been giving a helping hand to West Wales patients as a volunteer driver for the last 10 years. His role includes taking patients to and from appointment at the main hospitals in the region and also out of county work to Pembrokeshire and even Swansea. Teifion, 65, explained: “I found out about the Ambulance Car Service when I had to travel down to Southampton Hospital for my triple heart by-pass surgery and for subsequent checkups in Cardiff.“
“Before I had my heart attack I had been working as a bus driver, but I had to retire early. I didn’t like being idle and wanted to do something. I remembered talking to the volunteer driver at the time and thought it would be a good opportunity for me to help others and give something back to the community.”
He added “I have been volunteering for the Welsh Ambulance Service for over 10 years now and am enjoying it as much as ever.”
The Welsh Ambulance Service is on the look out for more people to join Teifion in driving forward the volunteer ambulance car service forward in Mid and West Wales. Ambulance Car Service Manager Arwyn Thomas said: “The ambulance car service is the most cost effective, comfortable, and, punctual method of transporting patients to routine appointments, and, with this in mind, we are looking to recruit volunteer car drivers from communities across Mid & West Wales.
Regional Director Mike Collins added: “Our volunteer drivers play a vital role in providing services to patients in the region. Their dedication and commitment is fully appreciated both by the Welsh Ambulance Service and the patients they transport daily.”
Teifion Morris with patient Jenny Esau
The Welsh Ambulance Service is constantly looking for people who are able to help and want to be part of this fulfilling and satisfying work. If you are interested or for further information please contact Arwyn on 01267 225792 or 07971 313554. |
