Volunteer 4x4 drivers needed to support NHS services

A Warwickshire group is calling on the community to support their local NHS by becoming a member of their 4x4 volunteer drivers club.

South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT), who provide healthcare services across the whole of Warwickshire, have formed a partnership with the Warwickshire 4x4 Volunteers Club. The club offered crucial support to the Trust during last winter by helping healthcare staff get to hospitals and clinics despite heavy snowfall. The community spirited drivers also navigated SWFT’s nurses to patient’s homes to ensure local people received the treatment they needed. With the Trust working hard to prepare for another testing winter, the arrangement has been formalised so plans can be put in place in order to provide an effective service whatever the weather. Part of this approach is taking on more volunteers who are able to help out if the need arises.

Drivers need to have their own 4x4 vehicles with valid insurance and be willing to join a WhatsApp group that Lead Volunteer Coordinator will use to support the response during times of extreme weather conditions.

Helen Lancaster is the Trust’s Director of Operations so works to ensure the Trust’s hospitals and community services run smoothly, she said: “Last year was a particularly bad winter in terms of the severe weather we had. This can pose a real problem for healthcare providers because even though we have lots of dedicated staff who do their best to do their jobs, sometimes the only way to get around is with a 4x4 vehicle. This is where the drivers club offers an important lifeline, their help means we can continue providing care to people who rely on it.

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a volunteer please contact Graeme Wright, Lead Volunteer Coordinator, by emailing warwickshire4x4volunteers@gmail.com.

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