Why Simon Became a Non-Emergency Patient Driver – and Why You Might Want To Too…
For Simon Drew, volunteering as a non-emergency patient driver is about much more than simply getting from A to B. It’s about people, conversation, and being there when someone needs a calm, reassuring presence the most.
One of the things Simon enjoys most is “meeting and helping a varied group of people from a multitude of different backgrounds.” Every journey brings a new story, a new perspective, and often a meaningful conversation during what can be a difficult day for patients.
The impact on those he supports is huge. By volunteering his time, Simon helps patients attend vital hospital and treatment appointments “in a manner that reduces stress and worry for them when they have much to cope with owing to their treatment/conditions.” For many people, knowing they have a friendly, reliable driver makes all the difference.
Volunteering has also been rewarding for Simon personally. He says it has benefited him “by meeting inspiring people and learning about their life experiences as we chat during the time in the car getting them to and from hospital.” As someone relatively new to the area, it’s also helped him get to know Norfolk and Cambridgeshire — and even find his way confidently around several major hospitals.
There have been plenty of memorable moments along the way, including meeting a 103-year-old patient who was “slightly frail but with a mind as sharp as a razor,” and navigating days where nothing quite goes to plan. Even on the most challenging days, Simon describes “a sense of pride and achievement in thinking on my feet and making it work.”
Would he recommend volunteering to others? Absolutely. Simon says: “It’s a very worthwhile service being provided to people in need… it’s uplifting and I certainly feel a sense of pride and fulfilment in providing this valuable service.”
If you’ve got a bit of time, enjoy meeting people, and want to make a real difference every single day, becoming a non-emergency patient driver could be for you.
