WEST Midlands Ambulance Service has launched an appeal for volunteer drivers who can take patients to and from their hospital appointments.

The Ambulance Voluntary Car Service is administered by the Ambulance Service and payment is made on a mileage basis to cover running expenses of the driver’s car.

Applicants are required to undertake a medical examination, a driving test (by an Ambulance Service driving assessor), a vehicle examination and interview.

Due to the nature of the work, the Service made clear it was essential to have a high personal standard of cleanliness and dress, patience, consideration and a suitable aptitude when handling patients.

The driver’s car should be clean and tidy at all times. The insurance company must be notified of the applicant’s intention to undertake Hospital Car Service work and the insurance cover must be fully comprehensive.

Applicants who are successful at interview will also be required to complete a Criminal Records Bureau form and an Occupational Health form.

Anyone wishing to become a volunteer driver should call the human resources department at West Midlands Ambulance Service, in Worcester Ambulance Station, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NL.