Patient Driver

Role:	Volunteer Patient Driver
Location:	East Lancashire Hospice
Accountable to:	Head of Support and Wellbeing Therapies (This person will be your main point of contact while volunteering. They will provide you with the support and supervision necessary for you to perform your role)
Role requirement:	Minimum age 18 years Two Satisfactory references Enhanced DBS check

Role Summary

To provide a safe transport service for patients coming to planned day sessions and appointments

When we need you to be available

The expected commitment for this role is dependent upon your availability.

Transport for patients is required Monday to Friday with attendance at the hospice required at various times through the day from 9.30am with final appointments finishing at 6.00pm.

What we would like you to do to undertake training and development applicable to the role.

To communicate sensitively and appropriately to patients, relatives, staff, volunteers and visitors at all times
To ensure the information you have access to as part of your role is kept secure and confidential.
To follow guidance on lone working and manual handling to ensure your safety and that of patients.
To ensure that your vehicle is safe for purpose, with a valid MOT certificate (if required) and comprehensively insured to undertake patient transportation and compliance with annual checks.
To ensure that you are fit to drive, informing the Volunteer Transport To pick up allocated journeys via email or visiting the hospice Volunteer Transport Coordinator on a Friday morning each week and provide your availability for the week after.
To provide as much notice to the Volunteer Transport Coordinator if you are unable to undertake a pre-arranged duty or are unavailable to provide transport to allow alternative plans to be made
To collect patients at the specified time ensuring punctuality, assist patients to the car and help them to get into and out of the vehicle.
To abide by the traffic laws, the Highway Code and drive with consideration to ensure the comfort and safety of passengers.
To feedback any concerns you may have about the patient eg patient unwell on the journey, changes in patient mobility, challenges with access, discomfort with passenger behavior to clinical staff providing that patients care
To report any incidents or accidents (however minor) to staff as soon as possible
Pay for your reasonable travelling expenses on your journeys being verified with the use of AA mileage calculator on 45p per mile
Provide you with information and training on Communication skills, lone working and safe patient handling
Organise journeys in the same geographical location as your home address where possible
Provide details of allocated journeys on Friday each week
Provide contact and support if you encounter any difficulties in this role

Skills, knowledge, abilities and qualities required

Full driving licence, a good driving record and driving skills
Good verbal communication skills demonstrating courtesy, compassion, sensitivity and professionalism
Punctual and reliable
Ability to use email and access to email account is preferable but not essential
Smart presentable appearance

The ability to respond flexibly to changing needs and priorities

General Requirements

To complete our in-house Blue Stream mandatory training modules as detailed below:

Accident and Incident Reporting
Adult Life Support Level 2
COSHHCyber Security
Safeguarding Adults
Safeguarding Children
Preventing Radicalisation
Mental Capacity Act
Information GovernanceFire Safety
GDPR
Domestic Abuse
Equality & Diversity
Principles of Health & Safety

Be friendly, respectful and courteous to patients, visitors, staff, customers and other volunteers at all times

Work at all times to safeguard the rights of individuals promoting their wellbeing and protecting those at risk from harm by advising staff of any concerns

Act in a way that upholds the hospice’s values which are:

Patients are individuals and have a right to respect, privacy, dignity and choiceStaff and volunteers are vital to the hospice’s success, and it is their contribution which provides the hospice with its quality service and reputation
Our services should be focused on meeting our patients’ requirementsValue for money is achieved making the most effective use of available resources
Ensure that personal actions and conduct apply with hospice policies and procedures
Ensure effective use of hospice resourcesWork at all times to safeguard the rights of individuals promoting their wellbeing and protecting those at risk from harm, acting on any concerns related to safeguarding children and adults at risk in line with policy and local guidance

Equality and Diversity

We support an inclusive and holistic working environment and aim to empower our people to bring their authentic self to work. We are committed to this and so encourage applications from all individuals with the required skills for the role inclusive of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, colour, caste, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, socio-economic background, trade union membership status, marriage, and civil partnerships. ELH is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and volunteers.

Review of this description:

This role description is intended as an outline of general areas of activities and will be amended in the light of changing needs of the hospice.

If you are interested

You must have a full clean driving license and access to your own car for transporting purposes, please complete an application form or contact us to discuss this opportunity further or to arrange to come and meet us.

All enquiries, informal visits and further information regarding the above please contact Hazel Booth 01254 965855 or email Hazel.Booth@eastlancshospice.org.uk