Drivers wanted for patient transport

The Leukaemia Foundation is calling for volunteer drivers to join the Central Coast Patient Transport Program.

The transport service is part of a convenient and reliable courtesy program that assists with accommodation, transport and education, as well as providing emotional support to people diagnosed with a blood cancer including Peninsula residents.

Peninsula Village resident Ms Julie Penjuelie, who suffers from multiple myeloma, is a regular user of the service and described it as "marvellous" and having made a huge difference to her quality of life.

Ms Penjuelie is driven to Gosford Hospital once or twice a month for treatment or to visit her doctor.

The brightly coloured car, sponsored by local tyre company, is affectionately nicknamed "Julie's racing car" by other residents of Peninsula Village, according to Ms Penjuelie.

She is full of praise for the drivers who, she says, are always courteous, compassionate and helpful in ensuring her safety and comfort.

A pensioner with limited funds, Ms Penjuelie is very grateful for the service without which she would have great difficulty in getting to the hospital for her treatment.

The service not only offers convenience, it also relieves pressure on families and carers and takes away the burden of the potentially enormous expense of taxi fares and hospital parking.

With more than 180 people expected to be diagnosed with a leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or related blood cancer on the Central Coast this year, the demand for this service is growing rapidly.

The Leukaemia Foundation's general manager Mr Stuart Allen said the need for more volunteer drivers in the Central Coast area has become urgent.

"During chemotherapy treatment, some patients may have to go to and from hospital for treatment three times a week," Mr Allen said.

"Becoming a volunteer at the foundation is ideal for anyone who has retired or perhaps works part time - their commitment can be large or small."

The volunteer drivers typically transport patients from their homes to their doctors' appointments around the Central Coast area, and on occasion to one of the hospitals in Newcastle or Sydney for treatment.

For anyone interested in becoming involved, contact Kaye Hawes 0402 356 106 or email kayehawes@hotmail.com

Nitasha Thomson, 30 Jul 2010 Interviewee: Julie Penjuelie, Umina Press release, 6 Jul 2010 Christine Campbell, Leukaemia Foundation