They have different reasons for joining Team NWAS as volunteers, but they have both followed in their dad’s footsteps – he volunteered as a VCD from 2007 to 2020 but has sadly passed away since. We chat with them about their roles.

Hello Jay, Lee, with our recruitment vacancies open for VCDs across Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cumbria and Lancashire, tell us more about your roles.

Why did you choose to become VCDs?

Jay: I used to work in PTS control at Broughton in Preston about 20 years ago, so always knew about the service. Then about eight years ago I needed to look after my disabled partner more and wanted something to get me out of the house, work around us, and give me a sense of purpose while helping out. The VCD role was the first thing I thought of, I have been doing it for seven years and don’t think I could volunteer for any other organisation, unless puppies were involved!

Lee: My dad and my partner have both had their battles with cancer and I realised, attending hospital with them, just how stretched the NHS is. I wanted to help in some way and knew about the VCD scheme through Jay and our dad. It’s my way to give something back and help my community. I have only just started volunteering and I really enjoy it.

What is your career background?

Lee: I was a full time served painter and decorator, but I’ve mainly worked in logistics roles, including being a transport manager.

Jay: Apart from my few years in the control room for PTS, I’ve also mainly worked in logistics. Lee was even my manager at one point, he’s never had a better driver!

Is your dad the reason for becoming a VCD?

Jay: I actually got my dad to volunteer as a VCD just before I left my role in PTS control, and he did it for about 15 years. He always used to tell us how much he enjoyed it.

Lee: Dad always used to tell me how much he enjoyed being a VCD and told me I should do it too. I just don’t think I was in the right place back then, like I am now.

What do you like about the volunteering role?

Lee: I love having a laugh with the patients and helping to take their minds off their medical appointments, even if it’s just for a short car ride. I also love it when people tell me I have a nice car because it is!

Jay: I love seeing the country, meeting new and interesting patients, and feeling like I’ve done something useful with my time. I am also a volunteer for NWAS’ Patient and Public Panel which means I can help to improve services for future volunteers.

What do you find challenging?

Jay: Relating to each person’s story. Picking up patients that are going through their worst day ever or taking children who are, literally fighting for their lives can be hard. It can be difficult not to find similarities between your own children/grandchildren.

Lee: On a journey, it is common to pick up multiple patients who also need our help, therefore we may have to pick patients up a bit earlier than expected. This isn’t always understood.

Our patient transport service 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 volunteer drivers, like Jay and Lee, that help us make 1.2 million patient transport 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.

If you have a family member who enjoys driving, meeting new people, and would like to help their local community or gain experience in a patient-facing role, this could be an ideal opportunity for them.

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