Our PTS is an integral part of our patient care, we ensure that people experiencing health conditions get to and from their hospital appointments on time.

We have a great team of VCDs, like Mike, that help us make 1.2 million PTS journeys across the North West, every year – and we’re now recruiting more volunteers to support people in the community who need the service the most.

Our existing volunteers, who have been giving back to the ambulance service for many years, were keen to share their experience and to help spread the word on our much-needed service.

VCD Mike tells us that it was his daughter’s health journey that inspired him to help others. After retiring Mike set out to look for something to occupy his mind and his time. He said: “My daughter was undergoing treatment for bowel cancer, and I wanted to support the NHS in some form or other. To pay back in my way for all the support she was receiving.”

Mike found our VCD scheme on a quick Google search and now he volunteers around 12 hours a week taking patients to and from their healthcare appointments. He continued:

“Whilst volunteering for NWAS, I have met some of the most amazing people.  If I’m ever feeling sorry for myself, a day volunteering as a driver just makes me come home feeling so thankful.  For me it doesn’t matter if the journey is really short, or a long one, motorway or country roads, the outcome is the same – someone who is extremely grateful for the service provided. 

“Helping the patient find the right clinic or department is always rewarded with a huge smile even though it is sometimes difficult to know exactly where to go in all the hospitals, sometimes collecting them from the labyrinth of a hospital can be ‘fun’ – it’s always a challenge. 

“It’s important to be a good listener as many times the patient wants to tell you about their treatment.  This is always led by the patient and in some cases, you are the only person that they see that day which makes it worthwhile.”

Not only does Mike give back to his community by volunteering, but after his daughter passed away, Mike went on to raise thousands of pounds for cancer charities in his daughter’s legacy which is testament to his character.

You can join Mike and become a VCD – if you enjoy driving, meeting new people, and would like to help your local community or gain experience in a patient-facing role, this could be an ideal opportunity for you.

Applications are open now across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cumbria.