Free transport to and from hospital for cancer patients, thanks to charity

Local charity Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care, provides a free transport service for people with cancer

Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care, provides a free transport service to and from the Freeman/RVI Hospitals for outpatients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatment - from all areas of northeast England. The charity's bright blue patient ambulances are a familiar sight on our streets. In 2020, some 60,000 cancer patients' journeys were only made possible by the dedication and service of the magnificent team of volunteers and staff from the Northern Centre for Cancer Care.

Pauline Waters, a 78-year-old retiree from Sunderland is one of those very special people who give up their time to help others when they may need it most.

So, Pauline, why did you decide to volunteer for Daft as a Brush?

I was interested in the work of the charity and, after talking to volunteers at a craft fair, I was reassured that I'd be able to choose the days, in advance, that I'd be working. I chose to be a "companion".

Was any training involved?

Yes, firstly online "health and safety" modules were studied and completed. These were issued by the NHS. A full training day with staff and ambulance volunteers followed. DBS checks were carried out as patient safeguarding is a priority.

Can you describe a typical day?

There isn't really a "typical" day. As a companion, I'm collected at a pre-arranged time. The driver would have telephoned me the previous evening to let me know. This could be as early as 6.30 a.m. but could also be around 10 a.m. The times are dictated by the patient's treatment. We then collect the patient from their home. Occasionally, we'll pick up a second patient but only if treatment times fit. Patients can arrange to have a friend or relative to travel with them, by prior arrangement. On arrival at the hospital, patients are given a lanyard displaying a unique number which connects them to a Daft as a Brush phone carried by the companion. The driver and companion wait in a designated area of the hospital, while the patient undergoes their treatment. If there is a delay, the patient can easily contact volunteers by calling the unique number they've been given. While waiting for patients to finish their treatments, the volunteers share conversations and are always friendly. Patients usually finish their treatment around the planned time and are then taken home.

Do you find your contribution rewarding?

Yes. Very, very rewarding. There is an upbeat, friendly atmosphere in the ambulance during the journeys. Conversations are lighthearted with occasional laughter and banter. Sometimes, a patient may opt to be quiet during the journey. I think that listening is the secret and being empathetic to the patient experiencing the treatment. I enjoy my day very much and always look forward to meeting a new driver and usually, new patients. The individual needs of the patient are the priority. They and their families are very appreciative of the service offered to them.

Pauline, thank you so much for giving us an insight into the work of this amazing charity.

Thanks also go to Daft as a Brush for their help in preparing this interview. If you want to find out more about Daft as a Brush visit their website www.daftasabrush.org.uk