‘Care to Drive’ pilot transport project
'Care to Drive' is a scheme operated by the Irish Cancer Society to provide free transport for patients to an from their treatment. Carefully selected and trained volunteers collect the patients from their homes and drive them to their appointments and back to their homes following these appointments.
Update March 1st, 2010: The Irish Cancer Society is delighted to have been chosen as Tesco Ireland’s charity partner for two years (2010-2011). Through the support of Tesco, this partnership will enable the Society to roll out its Care to Drive programme nationwide. Care to Drive is a volunteer-based free transport scheme for cancer patients. Read more at http://www.cancer.ie/news/news.php?newsID=320.
Background
During the course of 2006, the Irish Cancer Society became aware that transport to and from cancer treatment was a significant issues for some patients and their families.
At the same time, the Oncology Social Worker at St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH), D4 approached the Society in an effort to find a solution to the problem the hospital was encountering in supporting patients with transport issues.
Following discussions between the Society and SVUH, a decision was made to explore the feasibility of establishing a volunteer driving scheme.
 Research
The first step was to ascertain the actual needs of patients and families.
In order to do this, a research study was conducted amongst cancer patients undergoing treatment at SVUH:
- Patients were asked key questions regarding their circumstances and willingness to avail of a transport service, should one be available.
- Approximately 40% of patients surveyed responded that they would use such a service.
- This research informed the model in terms of the geographical demand.
The Society also undertook some desktop research on similar schemes available nationally and internationally. It identified the model run by the Canadian Cancer Society as the most appropriate for the needs of patients living in Ireland.
The Society then developed a model, agreed this model with the SVUH and set about implementation. The model was titled CARE TO DRIVE.
Setup
In early 2008, the Society advertised for volunteers willing to provide a comfortable, confidential transport service in their own car for one round trip per month from patient’s homes in South Dublin, Wicklow and North Wexford to their treatment in SVUH.
Volunteers were invited to attend information sessions, group interviews and a training programme which ensured that they were prepared to carry out this project on behalf of the Society.
Launch
On Monday the 16th June, on behalf of the Society and SVUH, Professor Tom Keane, Interim Director of the National Cancer Control Programme launched CARE TO DRIVE.
The pilot project will run for 12 months. It is envisaged that this will serve as a blueprint for the development of a nationwide volunteer-based system of transport. The pilot project will be evaluated after 6 and 12 months.
Funding
This project is wholly funded by the Irish Cancer Society.
Further information
Please contact the Irish Cancer Society on (01) 2310522 or email transport@irishcancer.ie
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