HOSPITAL bosses are urging volunteers to come forward and help drive elderly patients to hospital appointments.

Drivers across Basildon, Benfleet, and Thurrock are all being asked to help out at hospitals across the county.

The Carecar driver scheme has been a huge success at Southend Hospital for the past 20 years.

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May Hamilton, 81, helps drive patients to their appointments.

She said: “I’m on my own, so this gives me chance to meet other people and a real reason to get up in the morning. I just love doing it and the social side of it, they’re helping you and much as you’re helping them.”

Volunteer manager at mid and south Essex hospitals, Jane O’Connell said: “Our volunteer driver scheme, Carecars, has always been hugely popular with patients who are unable to drive."

David Storey, 68, from Prittlewell, has been a Carecars driver since August 2018 and also finds the volunteering very rewarding. He said: "I was always brought up to help other people and I’m just continuing to do that.

"It’s mutually beneficial.

"I enjoy it and the patients really appreciate the service too. It’s nice to be able to give something back to the NHS.”

Call Jane on 01702 435555 ext 6135.