Call to encourage utilisation of Portiuncula cancer patient bus service

Date Published: 27-Apr-2013

Cancer patients availing of treatment at Portiuncula Hospital are being encouraged to make use of a free transport service.

The Irish Cancer Society’s ‘Care to drive’ programme brings patients from their homes to and from their treatment at the Ballinasloe based hospital.

The volunteer led service has been in operation for a year and a half and has yet to be fully utilised with just 20 patients availing of the transport so far.

The initiative aims to assist patients who have been advised not to drive due to the aggressive nature of their treatment or for those who may have no family in the vicinity.

It’s hoped the service will be rolled out to GUH in Autumn this year as part of the national roll-out plan.

Programme Co-ordinator Gail Flinter says there are up to 50 volunteer drivers assigned to assist the Portiuncula service and patients who need the support should not be afraid to seek help.