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| Essex cabbies putting their lives at risk for our NHS http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=35698 |
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| Author: | Sussex [ Wed Apr 22, 2020 7:25 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Essex cabbies putting their lives at risk for our NHS |
Taxi drivers in Southend and Basildon putting their lives at risk for our NHS https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/183952 ... -risk-nhs/ A TAXI firm has been offering special fixed discounts for all NHS heroes working at Southend hospital, giving up to 30 per cent off fares when getting them to and from work safely. Drivers at AC Radio Cabs, based in Southend, have also been putting their lives on the line with a number of partitioned taxis whose drivers have volunteered to take NHS staff members showing symptoms, to be picked up and taken home from testing centres. Drivers have received training on how to thoroughly disinfect their cars for the next person that needs a test and this is done immediately after every job. Drivers have been given the option not to work, however, many drivers have chosen to carry on, putting themselves out on the frontline to help the community. Stephen Noakes, general manager at AC’s, said: “We are very proud to have a fantastic working relationship with Southend hospital – we have been in constant dialogue with the management at the hospital since the lockdown started to ask if we can help in any way. “We have introduced a special fixed postcode discount for all NHS staff working at Southend hospital, giving up to 30 per cent off to these heroes. “This offer is available for all carers, not just those who work at the hospital. “Unfortunately a lot of NHS staff appear to be unaware of this offer. “We started by offering shopping and pharmacy runs or deliveries for those that are isolating and we have also been doing deliveries for local companies that cannot open their shops. “On top of this we are picking up records, delivering drugs to sick people at home and taking patients that have been discharged from hospital. Stephen did raised concerns that taxi drivers who are still working are not being recognised as key workers. Basildon cabbies are also doing their bit to help during the Covid-19 pandemic. Michale Guyll, who works as a taxi driver in Basildon and is Chairman of Essex Taxi Proprietors Association, said: “There are less than 3 per cent of cabbies left working in the Basildon borough. “And those who are, are providing prescription services, food runs for the elderly, and some are contracting for the NHS providing staff transfers, pharmacy transfers of medicine, and delivering mobility aids to nursing homes from the hospital’s occupational health department. “We are also providing transport to the elderly who are not internet savvy to shop online or connect to the council’s hub for help, or are too proud to ask for help – we are their lifeline to get them to the supermarket and back, or the chemist. “Us cabbies have even given out our personal numbers to the elderly or those with disabilities, so they could contact us if they needed a prescription picking up or some essentials. “The people of Basildon, Billericay and Wickford are doing their bit for the lockdown by staying home and saving lives.” |
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