David's blog - ELF Transport Service

• Tell us a bit about your role with ELF. What is a typical day like? 

I am the senior driver for ELF`s hospital transport service. I am privileged to work in a brilliant team supporting haematology patients.   

My day will be pre-planned for my first pick up. The patient will have been called the day before to confirm the pick-up time from their home. I will then complete the journey with the patient(s) to their haematology appointment,  (Often a repeat patient so the time is  filled with catch up conversation and future plans).  Whilst the patient attends their appointment, if I do not have another pick up right away, I will set up in the office to add any new bookings on to our system and deal with any existing or new telephone enquiries. This will also include calling patients for the next day's pick up time and ensuring the appointment is still valid. Liaising with the amazing medical and clerical teams, I will walk through day case wards and have a quick check on the patients we have supported with transport that day, this often leads on to other non-service users enquiring about our services. I would continue with any other patient journey bookings, but also, we will help Yarty Ward with any urgent ward admissions and ward discharges in a timely manner. Then we are available to return the patient home once their appointment is completed.  

• When did you start working with ELF, and what were you doing before? 

I joined ELF in May 2013 when the charity decided to launch the patient transport service that we know today. I previously worked in manufacturing, as a production supervisor, making decorative gas and electric fires and stoves, but after 20 years I became increasingly disappointed with the corporate greed. I needed a new challenge from work in a totally different direction, so I researched ELF as a charity and how it supports local blood cancer patients by way of different services it offers. This really appealed to my desire for a new challenge, and I have never looked back!  

• What is your favourite thing about your role? 

I feel extremely privileged to be able to help patients and their families at their most stressful and, for many, their most difficult time, ELF enables me to be in this position of support and I get to see the difference it makes to people every single day. The resilience and positive attitude I see from the patients I meet is inspiring and to work alongside the most amazing medical team in Haematology is a blessing. 

My role within ELF has taught me that life is very precious and not a dress rehearsal, and to make the most of every opportunity and just do it!   

• What do you like to do outside work? 

My passion is the sea, and the incredible sea life beneath the surface. I love snorkelling and scuba diving, but the most affordable and accessible method is, of course, snorkelling. I always look forward to our travel plans abroad as the sea is much warmer! With my wife, Julie, we have been to some incredible destinations including The Maldives, Egypt, Thailand, Mexico, Australia and the wonderful Greek islands. I always have an underwater camera to video capture those special (and sometimes scary!) encounters. 

I also enjoy gym workouts, cycling, kayaking, coastal walks and going out for good dining with family and friends. 

To book a journey with David and the rest of ELF's Transport Service, please call 01392 493344 (option 1)