Need some advice

[Buckman]

Our elderly neighbour's husband was taken to hospital by ambulance on Saturday and the prognosis is not good as doctors saying "hours or days". We live in a small village about 12 or more miles from the hospital. Although the neighbour's wife apparently has a driving licence she has not driven for several years and is probably not on the car's insurance policy. She herself is not in good health either.

At present we have been taking her to the hospital, dropping her off and then collecting her later so two round trips every day. unfortunately collecting her is normally later afternoon or early evening when the roads are really busy. We do not feel that accepting money for fuel from her is the right thing to do plus insurance implications. We were going away this weekend, but have cancelled in order to help her.

Does anyone know if there is an organisation that can help people in this sort of predicament? Thanks.

 

[otherclive]

Our elderly neighbour's husband was taken to hospital by ambulance on Saturday and the prognosis is not good as doctors saying "hours or days". We live in a small village about 12 or more miles from the hospital. Although the neighbour's wife apparently has a driving licence she has not driven for several years and is probably not on the car's insurance policy. She herself is not in good health either.

At present we have been taking her to the hospital, dropping her off and then collecting her later so two round trips every day. unfortunately collecting her is normally later afternoon or early evening when the roads are really busy. We do not feel that accepting money for fuel from her is the right thing to do plus insurance implications. We were going away this weekend, but have cancelled in order to help her.

Does anyone know if there is an organisation that can help people in this sort of predicament? Thanks.

Firstly accepting money for such trips would not invalidate your insurance as you aren't doing it for profit or gain.

When my father was very ill and I couldn't get to Leicester to transport his long term companion the Royal Voluntary Society (Ex WRVS) were brilliant. After he died they continued to support her doing shopping, daily chats on the phone and transport to hospital etc. The other option is the local LINK if you have one. A rota with the other neighbours perhaps?

 

[Jcloughie]

Our elderly neighbour's husband was taken to hospital by ambulance on Saturday and the prognosis is not good as doctors saying "hours or days". We live in a small village about 12 or more miles from the hospital. Although the neighbour's wife apparently has a driving licence she has not driven for several years and is probably not on the car's insurance policy. She herself is not in good health either.

At present we have been taking her to the hospital, dropping her off and then collecting her later so two round trips every day. unfortunately collecting her is normally later afternoon or early evening when the roads are really busy. We do not feel that accepting money for fuel from her is the right thing to do plus insurance implications. We were going away this weekend, but have cancelled in order to help her.

Does anyone know if there is an organisation that can help people in this sort of predicament? Thanks.

Good for you, as OC says, no insurance issues.

When my wife’s cousins husband was attending hospital in Carlisle and Newcastle. A close friend took her every day for months. And that’s from Whitehaven. Wouldn’t except a penny. People are fantastic when called upon. But a shared load is easier to manage.

A friend of mine drives voluntarily for the hospital to take people to appointments, also, I think, to take visitors who would otherwise have difficulty. I think he is compensated via the organisation. You might ask at the hospital PAL’s dept.

John

 

[Buckman]

Thanks both. Regarding taking money, that is just us with that inbred into us not to take money for helping people.

 

[Thingy]

Well done you for being a decent and concerned neighbour. I too cannot see any insurance issues, but I, like you dont help people for them to pay me.

The world needs more like you!

 

[Beehpee]

Where I live there’s a thing called DAVENTRY DACT their phone number is 01327 701665 they give a great service and do exactly what your after they do free lifts to hospital doctors and the like, sometimes they wait and others they come back,obviously won’t help you where you are but maybe if you call them they may know of similar type of organisations where you are

 

[JezzerB]

You are being very lovely. Impressed. Bet she is so grateful.

 

[Buckman]

Maybe one day we will be in a similar situation and hopefully help will be at hand?

 

[RogerL]

Our elderly neighbour's husband was taken to hospital by ambulance on Saturday and the prognosis is not good as doctors saying "hours or days". We live in a small village about 12 or more miles from the hospital. Although the neighbour's wife apparently has a driving licence she has not driven for several years and is probably not on the car's insurance policy. She herself is not in good health either.

At present we have been taking her to the hospital, dropping her off and then collecting her later so two round trips every day. unfortunately collecting her is normally later afternoon or early evening when the roads are really busy. We do not feel that accepting money for fuel from her is the right thing to do plus insurance implications. We were going away this weekend, but have cancelled in order to help her.

Does anyone know if there is an organisation that can help people in this sort of predicament? Thanks.

Don't assume she's not insured - a number of drivers, me included, keep their other halves on the insurance to reduce the cost, even if they never drive.

It's perfectly in order to accept payment up to, but not exceeding, the HMRC rate which was 45p/mile last time I checked.

Some local authorities operate a community transport service, using volunteer drivers in their own cars but these are frequently over-subscribed

 

[Dustydog]

Our elderly neighbour's husband was taken to hospital by ambulance on Saturday and the prognosis is not good as doctors saying "hours or days". We live in a small village about 12 or more miles from the hospital. Although the neighbour's wife apparently has a driving licence she has not driven for several years and is probably not on the car's insurance policy. She herself is not in good health either.

At present we have been taking her to the hospital, dropping her off and then collecting her later so two round trips every day. unfortunately collecting her is normally later afternoon or early evening when the roads are really busy. We do not feel that accepting money for fuel from her is the right thing to do plus insurance implications. We were going away this weekend, but have cancelled in order to help her.

Does anyone know if there is an organisation that can help people in this sort of predicament? Thanks.

In my North Wiltshire Town we have a volunteer group, The Link. A number of us use our own cars for exactly the reason you enquire. The group will pay for our fuel but on the whole none of us bother. We may well need it one day!

 

[Ern]

Keep going Buckman. You are a good un.

 

[Buckman]

I have contacted the Royal Voluntary Society to see if they can help.

 

[Dustydog]

Maybe your local Council should start a scheme like this?

Do IT | Connecting people to do good things

Do IT helps people build meaningful connections, do good things, and feel healthier and happier as a result.

doit.life

 

[Buckman]

TBH we have never been in this sort of situation previously and have no idea if the hospital, council etc offer anything hence the query on here as a starting point to help give the lady in question some sort of advice that may be helpful.

 

[otherclive]

TBH we have never been in this sort of situation previously and have no idea if the hospital, council etc offer anything hence the query on here as a starting point to help give the lady in question some sort of advice that may be helpful.

It will all be via volunteers as in my experience the NHS and local authority don't have the resources and finances. But you have been given some possible links which Im sure should be able to help. RVS, PALS, LINK etc. Others might be the local church, was the ladies husband in the services...RBL, SSAFA, or AGE UK are others. Hopefully there is some support for her in what is a difficult time.

 

[Raywood]

It might be worth ringing the hospital and asking if there is a service to help you out.

 

[Buckman]

Thanks to every one that offered valuable advice. It seems that her hubby is recovering as he was able to phone her last night. Hopefully it will be good news.

 

[otherclive]

Thanks to every one that offered valuable advice. It seems that her hubby is recovering as he was able to phone her last night. Hopefully it will be good news.

That’s the best outcome.