Since January 2025, the North-East Assisted Ventilation Volunteer Driver Service has covered over 7,000 miles. These aren’t just any deliveries—they’re life-saving. Each driver travels an average of 100 to 200 miles per day to ensure patients relying on assisted ventilation receive essential equipment directly to their homes.

This unique service bridges logistical gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural or hard-to-reach areas. It allows patients to stay in familiar home surroundings while receiving the support they need. But the work is not without emotional weight. At times, drivers are called to retrieve equipment from the homes of patients who have sadly passed away—a task they handle with the utmost compassion and respect.

Katie Kaiser, Senior Nurse Specialist for the Assisted Ventilation Service, speaks highly of the impact the volunteers have made:

“The team have found the volunteer drivers a great support to our service. We have a volunteer driver available each day of the week which allows us to plan for equipment to be delivered to patients and collections to be arranged. This allows us to give patients a confirmed date that the kit they require will arrive and reassures them that a plan is in place. The volunteers are very flexible and are always willing to go above and beyond to help us meet the needs of our patients and deliver our service across a very large geographical area. They are a delight to work with and we are very pleased to have them as part of our team.”

Alison Armstrong, Nurse Consultant for the Assisted Ventilation Service, played a key role in establishing the position within the Volunteer Services team has said:

 “I completely echo Katie’s feedback. The impact on the delivery of service as a result of the volunteer drivers is amazing!”

Each volunteer has their own story and their own reason for stepping forward.

Peter, who moved to the UK from Hong Kong, shared what drives him:

 “When I moved here, I received so much support and kindness from the Geordie community. Volunteering for Newcastle Hospitals Charity gives me a chance to give back. Thank you for accepting me and giving me the opportunity to serve the community.”

Bill, another volunteer, reflects on the deep impact of the service:

 “I have felt on many occasions the momentous impact this service has on so many people—from the incredibly nice staff within the North-East Assisted Ventilation to the patients needing this life-saving equipment and their grateful carers.”

For Andrea, a long-time NHS volunteer, it’s a matter of personal gratitude:

“I feel like I owe the NHS an awful lot, and this is a tiny way to show my appreciation. I enjoy the feeling that I’m doing something genuinely useful. One moment that stays with me was speaking with a man whose wife had just passed. He shared stories about her and how he was coping. It reminded me how human and important this role really is.”

Alan's love for driving truly makes this an ideal volunteer role for him. 

“One of the most enjoyable aspects of my role is the chance to meet patients, their families, and caregivers. Additionally, since I have a passion for driving, I find it incredibly satisfying to travel to various places, including Northumberland, Cumbria, Yorkshire, and Tyne and Wear.”

These drivers aren’t just helping the NHS improve efficiencies. They are building trust, easing pain, and offering presence in moments that matter most.

In a world where healthcare often makes headlines for what’s missing, this service is a powerful reminder of what’s still here: people—volunteers—quietly showing up, delivering care in every sense of the word.

Alison Haigh, Volunteer Services Manager

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