Technology ‘challenging for some’

St John Central Region community programmes manager Julie Taverner commented on a number of issues that have been raised within the community over changes to the Dannevirke community shuttle service.

She was asked whether long-time stalwarts of the service, Don and Kay Stewart, had been asked to step aside.

“Not at all. Don and Kay are so valued and such an integral part of the service so we are working with them.”

However, she said changes in technology had been challenging for some. She said the strategy to change the way bookings are handled was outlined at a forum in 2016 that Don Stewart attended.

“There has been ongoing communication with the area

Taverner said the Dannevirke shuttle was the only one that had not yet become part of this booking system.

“The system allows volunteers to input the times they would be available months ahead, if that was their preference. What it means for volunteers is that it will help you to get out there and help the community.”

Dannevirke resident Dick McAvinue outlined the history of the shuttle service which he and Don Stewart founded. Through Cancer Support they had identified that people were needing treatment in Palmerston North but had no way of getting there.

In the two months before the shuttle service started 111 people committee that runs the shuttle.

“We have sent out newsletters to volunteers and committee members. Whether these have been read we don’t know, but it appears the message has not really been received.”

Taverner said volunteers spent too much time on paperwork and this was affecting the service to clients.

By employing a paid administrator this would free up volunteers to provide that service.

“There will still be a local team leader who will need to have a couple of other people to help out.”

One of the major concerns was whether the current system will be as flexible under the changes.

“In terms of the day-to-day the service will remain door-to-door. It will be no different to how it is now.

were transported to Palmerston North in private vehicles.

A number of local volunteers and members of the area committee expressed disappointment in the communication process to date.

Questions were taken from those at the meeting which reflected concerns about the flexibility in the booking system, especially for late appointments issued from Palmerston North hospital.

Herewini said bookings would still be taken by the Dannevirke Community Hospital.

“These will go into the booking system and will then be sent through to the local coordinator.”

She said if late bookings were

If a late booking comes in it will be up to the team leader to fit the client in to the schedule.”

A major bone of contention with the local community is ownership of the shuttle vehicles which they say were all paid for through local donations.

“St John owns the vehicles. The shuttle service is part of St John. Donations come for the shuttle. These go to St John which buys the vehicles. If a vehicle comes to the end of its life it is offered to another service which will then pay St John and it will go into the resources of the original user. But St John is the legal owner of the vehicles and we need to reinforce that.”

Taverner says the Dannevirke Community Hospital supports using the online booking system.

received these would go to the local co-ordinator who is yet to be appointed.

Support for service

“There is an 0800 number in the wings that may help those who have difficulty paying for calls and this will be softlaunched alongside the hospital number. Your service is yours, it belongs here in Dannevirke. We are just putting in support.”

Some comments were made regarding how the update to this service would recognise travelling times and unique circumstances of clients that only local knowledge could appreciate.

Volunteers’ feedback

Taverner said it was