Easing the Pressure on NHS Scotland: How Volunteer Drivers Can Support the Healthcare System.
The waiting time for an outpatient appointment with NHS Scotland has doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 500,000 individuals waiting for treatment as of March 2024 – the largest backlog since data was first recorded. The pandemic placed undeniable strain on the healthcare system, and, years later, the effects are still being felt by medical professionals and patients alike.
While there are multiple reasons for these extended waiting times, one tangible way to relieve some of that pressure is transportation. For many patients, particularly those who are older or less mobile, accessing timely healthcare is as much about travelling to an appointment as it is being available for one. Data from recent Royal Voluntary Service research shows that over 50% respondents in Scotland aged 70+ reported missing a healthcare appointment due to lack of available transportation – numbers that outpace the UK average.
The Role of the Volunteer Driver
Volunteer Drivers, like those mobilised by Royal Voluntary Service, can play a crucial role in tackling appointments that are missed due to lack of transport. Volunteer Drivers have the power to transform the lives of patients who may be older or less mobile, by ensuring they receive vital medical support to help keep minor health concerns from becoming major emergencies.
Missed appointments have been identified as costing NHS Scotland over £1 million a year, and reducing the number of missed appointments even only slightly could alleviate pressure significantly. Currently, each missed appointment represents a lost opportunity for providing support to others who need it – adding both direct and indirect costs to the system. A network of reliable and friendly Volunteer Drivers can bridge this gap, providing a service that supports NHS priorities and objectives, such as making it easier for people to access community and primary care services, and improving community service waiting times.
Helping the Healthcare System
With Royal Voluntary Service research showing almost one in five (17%) patients, who are over 70 and do not drive, reporting a negative impact on their physical health as a result of not driving, Volunteer Drivers can play a crucial role in helping vulnerable individuals consistently attend treatment programmes. Patients who are able to attend follow-up appointments, routine check-ups, or specialist treatments are more likely to manage their health conditions effectively – thus reducing the necessity to keep seeking health assistance.
On average, there are over 1900 delayed discharges in Scotland per day. Despite the rising number of patients that are medically fit for discharge, many non-drivers are unable to arrange transport back to their homes. Volunteer Drivers can assist in safely transporting discharged patients, freeing up hospital beds for new admissions and helping healthcare facilities to manage their capacity more efficiently.
Further to the benefit of Volunteer Transport services to the NHS, they also add immense value to the communities they serve by providing a more connected network of support to vulnerable people. In the UK, 25% of surveyed non-drivers over 70 identified lack of transport as having a negative impact on their happiness. Transportation barriers often leave individuals feeling cut off from their community and essential services, including healthcare. Volunteer Drivers can break down these barriers, allowing everyone, regardless of location or personal circumstances, access to essential services in the community and ensuring no one feels left behind.
For many older adults, receiving support from Volunteer Drivers is not just about having access to their community, but rather the opportunity to enjoy some social interaction, too. Royal Voluntary Service’s research also found that amongst non-drivers over 70, the freedom (a key contributor to happiness and wellbeing) driving provides is something that’s missed by 44% of people. Volunteer Drivers not only provide transportation but also offer companionship and human connection during the journey – they become friendly, familiar faces, creating a sense of involvement and support for individuals who might otherwise feel isolated. The service offered by Royal Voluntary Service is dependable and reliable, especially in areas where public transport may be limited. This helps non-drivers, particularly those who are older, regain a sense of independence that 40% of those surveyed (aged over 70 and not driving) reported they had lost.
Support Across Scotland
As NHS Scotland works to manage the challenges of waiting times and continually improve access to primary care, the role of Volunteer Drivers has never been more essential.
Royal Voluntary Service data has identified that a staggering 77% of respondents in Scotland over the age of 70 say they would benefit from a Volunteer Driver picking them up and having a friendly chat in the car on the way to their destination.
Volunteer transport services are just one of the ways Royal Voluntary Service is supporting NHS Scotland, and some of the country’s most vulnerable people. The charity also runs dementia support services such as clubs and groups which are making a huge difference to the quality of life of people living with dementia and those who care for them. The Healthy, Happy Lives programme is another offering, helping people who may be older or facing health challenges to live independently, healthily, and happily by providing practical and social support.
To find out more about working with Royal Voluntary Service in Scotland, visit: www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/about-us/commissioned-solutions.
Or to find out more about volunteering with Royal Voluntary Service, visit: www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteering.
Sarah Murray is the Operations Manager in Scotland for the Royal Voluntary Service
