Hospice gets a new minibus

25 June 2012

The minibus which seats up to 14 people was purchased in March thanks to a grant from the Department of Health’s Social Enterprise Investment Fund (SEIF).  The minibus will supplement the existing minibus which the charity has had for more than seven years.

“For a significant majority of patients who attend Shornells, our Day Hospice facility, transport to and from the home is important, especially for those patients who do not have friends or family to transport them, or if they are wheelchair users,” said Tracy Davies, Day Hospice Sister.

“Being able to get out and be part of the local community is incredibly important to the adults visiting us. Many are often unable to get out much, if at all and being here makes a huge difference to their quality and enjoyment of life.”

Most people who attend Day Care, visit the Hospice one day a week. All care, therapies, meals and transport are provided free of charge.

The new minibus will take up to 3 electric wheelchairs or as many as 14 people on the minibus’s comfortable seats. 

The Hospice is currently looking for volunteer drivers to drive the new minibus to and from people’s homes. If you have some spare time and a clean driving license please contact the Hospice Volunteers Department on 020 8320 5812, or email info@gbch.org.uk

Michael Patmore making use of the minibus with the assistance of Volunteers Pat Wootton and Jean Riley

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