Sussex wrote:
Quote:
But some cabbies have asked for extra danger money for helping provide the service
Either do it, or don't.
But don't ask for danger money when we have 100s of 1000s of working class folks risking their lives working in the NHS.
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| Scottish Black Cabs to be used to move Covid-19 patients http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=35662 |
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| Author: | Sussex [ Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:46 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Scottish Black Cabs to be used to move Covid-19 patients |
Coronavirus Scotland: Scots taxi drivers would wear protective kit to ferry suspected Covid-19 patients to hospitals https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/5 ... hospitals/ TAXI drivers would wear full protective kit to ferry suspected coronavirus patients to hospitals under plans drawn up to ease the strain on the NHS. The idea is being pitched to Hackney cab drivers as their partitioned cabins can be easily adapted to transport people suffering from the highly contagious killer virus. Under the scheme mask-wearing cabbies would support the stretched Scottish Ambulance Service by taking people feared to have Covid-19 to hospitals and treatment hubs. The "small fleet of black cabs" is seen as a key way of plugging the gap as paramedics work flat-out during the pandemic crisis. Many Hackney drivers are understood to be keen to support the national effort to fight the virus. But others have expressed concern over the plans as they will be in close proximity to those infected. A source said last night: "Scotland's largest taxi company were contacted by Transport Scotland earlier in the week. They wanted to ascertain how many taxis were potentially available. "They then went to their fleet and asked if people were interested in doing this work. They gave them the option as some might not be interested for obvious reasons. "It would involve full protective gear provided and cabs cleaned before and after every journey." Full details of the new scheme are still to be finalised. But it is understood the service would operate 24/7 across Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Ayrshire initially — and will be free of charge. It is not known if it would then be rolled out to other areas. Information sent to drivers said the service would only involve cabs with a full partition between the driver and passenger cabins — with cash slots sealed off to stop the microscopic virus from spreading. The inside of cabins would also be deep cleaned and sanitised by NHS cleaning contractors before and after trips. The source added: "I don't think they are necessarily replacing ambulance services. "But they are adding to the general workforce to help as a transport solution." It is understood drivers would receive a daily rate and remain in isolation within their cabin. They would also be provided with training for their new role. But some cabbies have asked for extra danger money for helping provide the service. One driver said: "Some guys are staying at home. Others just need the money or want to help out. But it needs to be safe for everyone. A lot of drivers are worried." Glasgow Taxi Owners' Association said several cabbies are ill with the virus and at least one has died. The Scottish Taxi Federation has raised concerns over members having to choose between feeding their families or staying safe at home. The plan emerged as the number of people in Scotland to have died from the virus rose by 47 to 542 yesterday. A further 315 have tested positive, taking the total to 5,590. Several ambulances were seen outside the makeshift Louisa Jordan hospital in Glasgow yesterday as preparations are ramped up at the SEC event campus. Labour MSP Monica Lennon said: "Glasgow is Scotland's Covid capital and our NHS and ambulance service is under huge pressure. "Bringing in taxis to provide a patient transport service could help, subject to strict measures to keep drivers and patients safe." A similar service is being rolled out across London. Patients assessed as in need of medical help will be referred to NHS community centres and a cab will pick them up if they can't use their own car. Following an assessment, they will either be returned home by the same cab where appropriate, or routed to a different NHS service. A spokesman for Glasgow Taxis Ltd said: "Since the onset of Covid-19 we have been determined not only to support our members but also to do anything we can to boost the collective fight against the virus — especially when it comes to helping the NHS. "Any external initiatives or support which can help us to, in turn, help the NHS can only be welcome. "We are proud of our staff, members and drivers who continue to step up to the plate at this most difficult time." A Scottish Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "This is not a replacement for the patient transport service, rather this arrangement is for patients well enough to attend assessment centres by private car or taxi and ambulances will continue to be available for those patients who have a clinical need for them. "This is an individual health board matter." The Scottish Government said it is "engaging with a number of organisations who may assist moving patients should this be required". |
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| Author: | Sussex [ Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scottish Black Cabs to be used to move Covid-19 patients |
Quote: But some cabbies have asked for extra danger money for helping provide the service Either do it, or don't. But don't ask for danger money when we have 100s of 1000s of working class folks risking their lives working in the NHS. |
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| Author: | jimbo [ Sun Apr 12, 2020 7:03 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scottish Black Cabs to be used to move Covid-19 patients |
Sussex wrote: Quote: But some cabbies have asked for extra danger money for helping provide the service Either do it, or don't. But don't ask for danger money when we have 100s of 1000s of working class folks risking their lives working in the NHS.
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