Charity to start Moray transport service helping dialysis patients attend appointments

Dialysis patients in the North East are to benefit from free transport to and from hospital appointments.

St John Scotland are aiming to recruit a team upwards of 18 volunteers, who would be using their own cars to take patients to Doctor Gray's.

The service will run six days a week, with mileage provided to those who sign up to become volunteers.

Senior Charge Nurse for the dialysis unit at Dr Gray's Hospital, Linda Willows, outlined how volunteers play an "important" part to their team.

She said: "We're pleased to be welcoming the St John Scotland team to Moray to support the transport service for renal dialysis patients.

"We have a great team at the hospital and volunteers play an important part in that.

"We would absolutely encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer driver to get in touch with St John Scotland."

A meals allowance, where necessary, will also be given to volunteers.

Local St John Scotland lead volunteer for Patient Transport, Clifford Eastmond is delighted to bring the service to the North East.

He said: "We’re really pleased to be able to start this service in Moray for local patients.

"We want to thank those volunteers who we hope will offer to join us as volunteer drivers and co-ordinators of this service by offering their time to make this a success.

"As a charity we’re committed to helping people in our local area, and we hope this new service, alongside our work with communities to provide CPR training and Public Access Defibrillators, will help Aberdeen and the North East be a healthier place to live."

Those interested in volunteering, are being asked to visit the St John Scotland website , emailing - info@stjohnscotland.org.uk or calling 0131 556 8711.