The Medical Specialist Group (MSG) has donated £5250 to Health Connections to help fund an Administrative Coordinator to meet the increasing demand for their Voluntary Transport Service.

The Health Connections transport service enables people to easily access opportunities for social connection, services and activities, including taking people to their healthcare appointments. This
helps those living with frailty and long-term conditions to remain independent in their homes for longer.

One in three people who use the transport service have appointments at the MSG, with around 50 journeys per month to its premises.

CEO of Health Connections Bella Farrell said, ‘I’m really grateful to the MSG for acknowledging the benefit of our voluntary transport service for their more isolated patients. This donation will help us cover the costs of our transport coordinators who enable the service to run smoothly and organise a caring and reliable troop of volunteer drivers, ensuring their passengers get to these essential appointments on time.’

Valerie Falla, who uses the transport service each week, added, ‘I am so grateful for this transport. It has meant I can stay a little more independent which means the world to me.’

Volunteer driver Ken Jones has been driving for the voluntary transport service since 2013. He says, ‘I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the past nine years and plan to continue driving for the service.’

Gary Yarwood, Chair of the MSG said, ‘Health Connections give great support to our frail or vulnerable patients so that they can access our care and we really appreciate the work of their volunteer drivers. We like to partner with healthcare and patient groups who share the same values as us – putting the patient first, always – and so when Health Connections asked for support, it was an easy decision to make.’

Anyone interested in becoming a voluntary driver can find out more here.