New Scheme to Drive Cancer Patients to Treatment

Care to Drive, a volunteer driving scheme co-ordinated by the Irish Cancer Society was launched on Monday 16th June 2008.

The pilot phase, from April 2008 to April 2009, will transport patients from their homes in South Dublin, Wicklow and North Wexford to their treatment at St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin.

The scheme has recruited 111 drivers, 53 men and 58 women, drawn from a range of professions and occupations.

Care to Drive was devised in response to the anticipated greater need for transport for cancer patients to the eight centres for cancer care, and has been modelled on the successful Canadian Cancer Society Transportation Service.

Speaking at the launch, Professor Tom Keane, National Director of Cancer Control, said the scheme is aimed at removing some of the barriers to getting patients to the best possible care for the best possible outcomes.

John McCormack, Chief Executive of the Irish Cancer Society said they hope to roll out the Care to Drive scheme to many other areas around the country from 2009 onwards.

“This scheme is the first of other transport initiatives that the Irish Cancer Society will be rolling out in the coming months to meet the needs of patients seeking access to the best diagnosis and treatment procedures and professionals,” he said

Posted Thursday 26th June 2008