VOLUNTEER drivers are being sought to make a big difference to local hospital patients who are less mobile by driving them to their hospital appointments.

It's a scheme that has already been a huge success for the past 20 years at Southend Hospital, and there is now a call for drivers from Basildon and the surrounding area to help local residents.

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust Volunteer manager Jane O'Connell, who looks after hospitals in Basildon, Southend and Thurrock, said: "Our volunteer driver scheme, Carecars, has always been hugely popular with patients who are unable to drive, find it difficult to get public transport to their appointments, and don't have anyone who can drive them.

"It's a real lifeline for many patients, and they also enjoy having a natter to one of our 25 volunteer drivers. We know there is a huge demand for the scheme, but we just need the drivers in these new areas to help make it a reality for patients that need it most."

It isn't just the patients headed to their appointments who get a lot out of the scheme; the drivers do as well. Many of them are former or current patients, which gives them that real bond with their passengers.

One of those drivers is 81-year-old May Hamilton. She might share her surname with F1 champ Lewis Hamilton, but doesn't drive her patients to their appointments quite so quickly. Even after 13 years, she still gets a huge rush from helping patients.

May 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."

You can find out more about becoming a Carecar driver by contacting Jane O'Connell on 01702 435555 ext 6135.