Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Beep! Beep! Volunteer Drivers Wanted!

Up to eight patients without their own transport need to travel from their homes in the Whitsundays to Mackay Base Hospital each day and a brand new mini-bus will allow them to travel with ease – it just needs a reliable driver.

Are you retired or can you spare some time to volunteer?

By simply holding a regular driver’s licence, you can sign-up to offer your services for as little time or as often as you want.

The new LDV mini bus has been purchased with funds provided by Whitsunday Regional Council with plans to operate the service on a daily basis commencing in January.

All fuel, maintenance, insurance and registration costs for the vehicle are covered by Mackay Hospital Foundation and generously supported with funds from Macrossan and Amiet Charitable Foundation.

There will be three central pick-up locations in Cannonvale, Proserpine and Bloomsbury commencing early morning with departure from Mackay Base Hospital by 3.30pm each day, making the final drop-off point at Cannonvale around 5.30pm daily.

All patients will be fit to travel and be able to board and exit the vehicle without assistance.

While in Mackay, drivers will have an area in the hospital to sit, relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, or they are free to visit family and friends or carry out errands while waiting for patients.

If you’re willing to donate some time for a good cause, have a current drivers’ licence, live in the Whitsundays, and are interested in being a Patient Transport driver, Mackay Hsopital Foundation would love to hear from you.

For all enquiries, please contact Brenda McFadzen at Mackay Hospital Foundation on 4885 5924 or 4885 5915. Email Brenda.McFadzen@health.qld.gov.au.

To find out more information about Mackay Hospital Foundation, visit

https://www.mackayhospitalfoundation.com.au/

The new LDV mini-bus has been purchased with funds provided by Whitsunday Regional Council

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