Community
8 October, 2023
Transport service at your door
GETTING to and from medical appointments can often be a daunting and difficult task for those with no means of transport, the elderly and those living with disabilities.
But that’s where the Red Cross Warrnambool Patient Transport Service can step in and help.
This local branch can fill the void when it comes to getting to and from medical appointments near and afar.
Warrnambool service convenor and driver Peter Mills is keen to spread the word about the service’s availability to ensure it is utilised to its full potential.
“The Red Cross Patient Transport Service is a vital community service which can be of great benefit to so many people in our community,” he said.
“We have a car, we have voluntary drivers, we just need to keep spreading the word in the hope of reaching those in need.”
The low-cost service, which relies on voluntary drivers to ensure its continuation, is available between the hours of 7am and 7pm weekdays.
The Warrnambool car travels far and wide, helping patients reach medical appointments in areas as far afield as Melbourne and Geelong, through to Port Fairy, Portland, Hamilton, Horsham, Ballarat and all towns in between.
“We can even drop people off one day and then come back and pick them up the next if that’s what is needed,” Mr Mills said.
“It’s all about helping people get to their appointments; for some, we’re the only option they have because they either don’t drive or don’t have family and friends who can help, or they face other obstacles.
“We’re here to help. People just need to let their doctor or treating physician or clinic know that they need transport and ask them to contact us through Red Cross.”
According to Mr Mills, the Warrnambool service currently has 15 voluntary drivers who give as little or as much of their time as suits.
“We don’t place any demands or requirements on our drivers, some may drive once a week while others may drive once every few months; it’s totally up to them,” he said.
“State-wide Red Cross has 31 transport cars, 16 are in Melbourne and 15 are across regional areas.”
“And the cost to those utilising the service is simply what each individual can afford.
“We just ask for a donation and that can be as little as $5 or as much as $150. Individual needs and circumstances can vary a great deal.”
Anyone wanting more information on the Red Cross Patient Transport Service can phone head office on 8327 7868 or the Warrnambool service direct on 0429 353 506.
