York Wheels patient hospital transport service needs drivers

York Wheels have provided low-cost transport for people with physical disabilities who cannot as easily access public transport since 1988.

Now they need new drivers to help people attend medical appointments, social activities, or supermarket shopping.

Their shortage of drivers comes as their is an increasing demand from service users, and several drivers have left due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

Richard Carberry, a driver of York Wheels for 14 years, said: “As some drivers have been more vulnerable to the virus or have been self-isolating we have lost drivers over the pandemic.

“We have had less work available due to social distancing - less social gatherings to take customers to when everything stopped, and so some drivers didn’t want to be hanging around waiting for jobs so may cancel shifts.

“As the restrictions ease we’re expecting more work now, but have gone from 30 to 18 drivers during the pandemic, and two of them need hip replacements.”

The volunteer driving service will be recruiting as many people as they need to meet demands - during the height of the vaccine rollout, they made 700 trips over the course of six months.

Drivers work on a volunteer basis, and will need their own vehicle, preferably a four-door, and are reimbursed for journeys carried out on behalf of York Wheels.

Most journeys will be within York city boundaries, and drivers can choose how many days they wish to be available – though normally one to three days a week.

The hours drivers wish to work are also flexible, with most shifts taking place between 8-4pm, but may vary.

Mr Carberry said: “This is a rewarding rôle for the drivers, and is greatly appreciated by our loyal customers, who recognise our caring, supportive service, many of the drivers have been with York Wheels for more than five years, some for well over ten years. The same is true for our customers.”

If you would like to volunteer or use the service as a passenger, call 01904 630080.