Liam’s Lifts on the road again
Liam’s Lifts, a community-based transport service that brings patients in North Cork to oncology appointments, is now back up and running after a two-year halt in operation due to Covid-19.
The service, which has been running throughout Fermoy and Mitchelstown since 2011, was rolled out in the Mallow region in January 2015. It aims to resolve the transport difficulties that members of the community often face when they need to attend oncology appointments and treatments in Cork City.
Developed by Fermoy woman, Triona O’Flynn, in memory of her father Liam who sadly passed away in 2010 following a battle with cancer, the scheme is now back up and running after Covid19 forced a suspension of the service in 2020.
“We had our first drive last week and we’re delighted. We never thought it was going to be this long, but it’s as good as it’s going to get now so we thought it was the best time to get things going again,” Triona told TheAvondhu.
Liam’s Lifts offers transport for patients to any form of oncology appointment, such as doctor’s appointments, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and more.
The aim of the service is to ensure that passengers have the least level of disruption, with passengers being collected from their home or a pre-arranged meeting point with volunteer drivers transporting them to the hospital or clinic, who will wait until the appointment is finished to bring them home again.
“Everyone here are volunteers, the drivers are all volunteers and so is the administration side. There is a set pay for drivers for their journey because we don’t want the drivers to be out of pocket, but the service itself is free. We have great community support and because of that, we are in the position to offer the service free of charge,” Triona said.
TREMENDOUS SUPPORT
According to Triona, while the service is free of charge, very often it is not about the cost, but rather the availability of frequent transport to the hospital.
“Very often, it’s not that people can’t afford the transport, but it can be very difficult for family or friends to get that time off work to bring them to and from hospital. People want that indepedence too. It’s such a relief to people to know that they can get to and from their appointments and that this service is there.
“It’s not always about the cost, so very often passengers will donate to us. I cannot tell you how good people have been to Liam’s Lifts. Coming up to Christmas, businesses and organisations often pick a charity to donate to, and have donated to us. We’re very grateful to the community for doing stuff like that. At the moment, we don’t have a public fundraising page because we have been so lucky to date,” Triona continued.
Prior to Covid-19, Triona noted that Liam’s Lifts was widely used within the Fermoy, Mitchelstown and Mallow areas, with drivers often bringing three or four people to appointments at one time.
“Passengers would often travel together at the same time, we have an arrangement with the hospital that all radiotherapy appointments are between 2pm and 4pm because we have people travelling together. Passengers would get to know each other and the driver and be able to support one another too. If there was a delay at the hospital or with the appointments or anything, they would look out for each other.
“There was a comradery that came with the service, but that’s denied a bit now because of Covid,” Triona said.
Since starting up again, Liam’s Lifts are taking one patient per car, with facemasks required for the journey, however, it is hoped that passenger numbers may be increased in the future.
MORE DRIVERS NOW NEEDED
According to Triona, she was surprised with the number of people looking to get involved with the service, noting that a number of new drivers have signed up to volunteer.
“The number of people that rang us, people trying to find their feet again after Covid. I was surprised with the number of calls from drivers too,” Triona added.
With the new 1-passenger per car rule in place, along with a loss in drivers during the Covid-19 pandemic, Triona has requested that any new passengers book their transport as soon as possible to ensure availability and that anyone seeking to volunteer with the service also get in touch.
“We are taking new passengers and appointments from anyone, but we could be booked out on a certain day, because of only taking one passenger per car, it could be limited. I would encourage people to ring as soon as they can if they want to book.
“We do need more drivers too because we are taking fewer passengers in each car. All new drivers will be set up with a first aid course and with specific insurance, which we will cover the cost of,” Triona added.
To avail of the service, volunteer or to get involved in some form, call (086) 8754898 or visit the website at www. liamslifts.ie