ADCA Medical Transport

ADCA'S MEDICAL TRANSPORT SERVICE

The Medical Transport Service run by Audlem and District Community Action (ADCA) has received few requests in recent weeks, as hospitals focused on attending to COVID-19 patients and GPs arranged telephone consultations rather than face-to-face appointments during the health crisis.

Now, thanks to ADCA's strong relationship with Overwater Wheelyboat Services (OWS) and the generosity both of OWS and several willing volunteers, the Medical Transport Service is once more ready to respond to requests from those who need to attend medical appointments, but who have no other means of transport to take them – and bring them back home.

The helpline number remains the same, 07984 785907, and the phones will now be manned from 9.00 a.m. every morning, Monday to Saturday inclusive. If you require transport to a medical appointment, please give as much notice as possible (ideally a week) and ADCA will endeavour to find someone to collect you from home and take you there.

New arrangements

Because of the risks posed by COVID-19 and the need to maintain social distancing, there are some changes to how the service will operate for the foreseeable future.

The Overwater Wheelybus will be the preferred vehicle, as this gives the best option for maintaining social distancing between the driver and passenger. The passenger will embark the Wheelybus via the tail lift and sit at the rear of the vehicle. Unfortunately, under the present restrictions, it will not be possible to transport a non-ambulant passenger unless he or she can be accompanied by a member of the same household (or a carer).

The Wheelybus will only be able to transport one patient to and from an appointment. If ADCA receives more than one request for transport on the same day, or the appointment is beyond the travel area in which the Wheelybus can operate, then there are volunteer drivers with large private cars who may be able to assist. These vehicles will be fitted with a temporary screen between the front and rear seats, wherever possible, to help maintain safety between driver and passenger.  In all cases, drivers will wear appropriate PPE and vehicles will be cleaned with disinfectant wipes before and after each journey.

Further details will be given in response to enquiries, but please note that ADCA will ask for a contribution towards the costs of operating the service and this figure will be agreed when a request is received. The contribution levels remain unchanged and payment can be made by cash, cheque or bank transfer.

ADCA wishes to thank all those involved with the Overwater Wheelybus for enabling the vehicle to be used for medical transport while it is unable to be used to carry multiple passengers. Thanks are also due to the volunteer drivers who have kindly stepped forward to be trained to drive the Wheelybus and/or offer the use of their private vehicles as a back-up. ADCA'S MEDICAL TRANSPORT SERVICE