VOLUNTEER DRIVING DETAILS
Thank you for considering Cancer Connect as a volunteering opportunity. Our service depends on Volunteer kindness and goodwill and has a great and positive impact on Passengers and their families. Driving for Cancer Connect makes an outstanding contribution to the community. Please read the details below and, if this feels like the right fit for you, complete the application form. This arrangement is binding in honour only and is not intended to create a legal contract.
SERVICES
Cancer Connect has 2 types of transport service, depending on Passenger need.
1. Cancer Related Appointments
This service is based on you driving your own car for Cancer Connect.
Each driver will receive an annual rota and be scheduled for 1 trip per month. As soon as a booking comes in, the most geographically suitable driver will be called, and the trip discussed. If the trip suits, that Driver will be booked. The Driver will ring the passenger and confirm pick up details. The Driver will go to the house at the agreed time, bring the passenger to the appointment and then bring the passenger home afterwards.
2. Radiotherapy
This is based on driving a Cancer Connect owned vehicle, possibly an 8-seater (regular B driving licence will cover this) or car.
Radiotherapy Drivers are given their rota annually. There is a set team of drivers per route, and each Volunteer drives one day per month. If that day doesn’t suit, the Driver swaps with another driver and informs the office. The Driver receives his/her details the day before each trip: details include where to collect the vehicle, who the passengers are, and where the picks up points are. There may be several passengers to be collected en route. The vehicle arrives at CUH and/or The Bon Secours at a set time and usually departs one and a half hours later.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All personal information regarding passengers is strictly confidential. Drivers must respect the privacy of each individual. This is of high importance and can’t be overstated – whoever travels with us does so with Cancer Connects word that their transport won’t be discussed outside the vehicle. Cancer Connect will never share passenger information. All Driver and Passenger information is stored in a protected system and follows GDPR data protection law.
PAPERWORK
Cancer Connect will need a photocopy of your licence on file, so please include that with your returned form. If you intend to use your own car, you will need to tell your motor insurer that you are bringing someone to Cork voluntarily on a monthly basis. You will also need to request from your insurance company that Cancer Connect is indemnified on the policy (where possible). This would normally mean that Class 1B cover has been applied to your policy. If they charge you an additional fee we will be happy to cover that. Usually however, they amend your policy at no extra cost as there is no payment for this service.
Cancer Connect is not required to undertake Garda Vetting of Volunteer Drivers. References are required; please include contact details of two Referees from previous employments/ local Community Members or someone that can give a character reference on your behalf. Cancer Connect will contact the Referees before your first journey.
Your information remains confidential and GDPR policies and procedures are in place.
CHECKLIST
- Ensure Insurance Company informed of Volunteer driving and policy amended accordingly if using your own car.
- Complete Volunteer application form below and upload a copy of your Driving Licence
- On completion of application, Cancer Connect will make contact to confirm you are on the panel of Drivers and book you for a trip in due course.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q Is there any contribution available for diesel etc?
A Each Driver that uses their own car will receive a
contribution towards costs. This is a flat rate and is
offered to offset fuel costs, coffee, parking etc. It is
minimal but should ensure that there is no cost to
the Driver.
Q Where do I park in Cork?
A Cancer Connect has free parking at various
hospitals, and one main car park in Cork.
Q How often will I drive?
A Cancer Connect asks Drivers to Drive one day
per month. This may be less if there is no demand
from their locale. If a Driver wishes, they can drive
more frequently. Some Teachers Drive during their
summer holidays, some Retired Drivers are on the
road weekly!
Q Do I need to assist the Passenger?
A No, we do not offer any Passenger assistance. We
suggest family member/friend travels and provides
any assistance required. If the Passenger is a wheelchair user, we provide alternative transport
in an accessible vehicle with professionally trained
Drivers.
Q How much notice will I receive?
A Usually Drivers receive one week’s notice. This may be less when a Passenger receives short notice of an appointment from the hospital.
Q Do I Drive my own car?
A Cancer Connect has vehicles in several locations
that you may wish to drive. Otherwise, you will be
asked to drive your own car.
Q Do I need a bus licence?
A No. Cancer Connect owns cars and 8 seaters. A
regular B licence will allow a Driver to carry up to
8 passengers, so a B licence is suitable for both.
Q Do I go into the Hospital with the Passenger?
A No. The Passenger is dropped at the front door of
the hospital and collected from the same point.
Q What if there is a hold up in hospital and the
Passenger is delayed?
A While the Driver is always given appointment start
and finish times, Cancer Connect suggests that the
Driver be flexible to allow for any delays. We do
understand Drivers may need to return home, so
then we look for a second driver to accommodate.
Q Do I need to know any first aid for my role as a
Volunteer?
A No. The Volunteer role is for driving only.
Q What happens if my plans change e.g. I become
unwell or have Covid symptoms and I must cancel?
A Cancer Connect understands that Volunteers have
other commitments, and cancellations may be
unavoidable. We ask Drivers not to travel if they
are feeling unwell as this is a risk to the vulnerable
Passenger. In this case, we look for a Driver that is
available at short notice.