Community drives health shuttle success
Two new vans transport 1400 clients each year
In 2009 the concept for the Te Awamutu health shuttle was born out of a desire, and an identified need, to support the community members of Te Awamutu, Kihikihi and surrounds to attend health-related appointments in Hamilton.
In 2010 the Te Awamutu Community Health Transport Trust was established with Katherine O’Regan as chair. Fundraising, grant applications and donations from local service clubs enabled the trust to buy its first vehicle and the service began operating in April 2011.
Over the last 10 years the service has grown and the health shuttle transports an average of 1400 clients each year to hospital and specialist appointments in Hamilton.
The trust now has two comfortable new vans, one of which can carry two wheelchair clients, and over 35 wonderful volunteers.
How does the Te Awamutu health shuttle work?
1. You, or someone on your behalf, calls the booking line 870 3258 (MonFri, 9am-3.30pm). Make sure you call by 3.30pm the business day before your appointment.
2. The co-ordinator takes your details and asks about any mobility needs. We can accommodate early morning appointments. We also have a wheelchair accessible van and can take children’s car seats.
3. The afternoon before your booking (between 4-6pm) a volunteer will call you to let you know what time you will be picked up the next day. There are multiple trips to and from Hamilton each day to minimise wait times.
4. When you get to your appointment location the volunteers can escort you all the way to the reception. Wheelchairs are available if you need them.
5. You will be given a business card with the contact number of the shuttle you travelled in.
When your appointment is over you, or the clinic reception, call the volunteers so that they know you are ready to go home.
6. You arrive home with no stress about driving in Hamilton, parking or finding your clinic.
The health shuttle service is funded by donations from clients who use the shuttle and from organisations who support us. For information visit www. tahs.org, nz, check out the Facebook page @teawamutuhealhshuttle or give the co-ordinator a call, 870 3258.