Fife Patient Transport scheme expands to Kirkcaldy

Publication date 09 March 2018

St John Scotland's volunteer-run patient transport service in Fife has launched its second phase to extend its reach across the area.

A group of people stand next to a car

The service, which transports people to and from hospital appointments, will now cover the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy as well as Dunfermline’s Queen Margaret Hospital.

Run entirely by volunteers, the service ensures that people arrive safely and on time for vital dialysis appointments, which can last for several hours.

The Fife Patient Transport team currently consists of 13 regular drivers and three additional relief drivers. At present, the service transports around 22 patients per week from their homes to dialysis appointments, and returning them home after the treatment.

The service is continually on the lookout for volunteer drivers. Findlay Macrae, St John Scotland Fife Patient Transport Coordinator, said: “We need people who enjoy interacting with members of the public. Come join us and gain the satisfaction of being part of an organisation that really makes such a difference to the life of dialysis patients in Fife.”

Lesley Laird, MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, urged Fifers to consider joining the team of volunteers. She said: “While some patients are fortunate enough to have family and friends to transport them to outpatient appointments, there are significant numbers of people for whom that is not an option. The transportation service provided by St John Scotland is marvellous and provides a vital role helping patients with chronic health needs access regular and essential renal treatment in hospital. I would urge people with some time to spare to consider becoming a volunteer driver, to help make this new phase of the service a success - and make a real difference to people’s quality of life.”