Coronavirus Brighton: Taxi drivers' new responsibilities
https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/1842508 ... ibilities/
A TAXI firm owner has spoken of his pride as cars continue to ferry healthcare workers across the city. Though Southern Taxis’ usual stream of shoppers, tourists and more may be absent during the coronavirus crisis, owner Andrew Cheesman is as busy as ever when The Argus calls.
“We are still doing a lot of different things,” he explains, downplaying the company’s long list of commitments during the UK lockdown.
The firm, which also runs City Cabs Brighton and South Coast Taxis, is the main contractor for the NHS and South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS). Through this, it has been tasked with ferrying doctors ,nurses and other key workers to hospital for vital shifts, as well as transporting patients who could not otherwise have reached the Royal Sussex County Hospital.
It is also one of the major contractors responsible for the school transport of Special Education Needs pupils in Brighton and Hove, as well as offering free journeys to the Preston Circus food bank for vulnerable people - among other duties.
Mr Cheesman said: “We are extremely proud of our drivers and administration staff for serving at the forefront of the crisis and aiding those who are the most vulnerable and in need of help in the city wherever we can.” To ensure the safety of those taking journeys, several steps have been taken to prepare taxis owned by the firm to protect passengers and drivers alike.
Andrew said: “Many vehicles have been adapted to have a screen fitted in them to separate the passenger. Staff are also provided with aprons, gloves, face masks and an orange bag. “The equipment is supplied by the SCAS and is only used once. It is then put in the orange bag and taken away to be incinerated.”
Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust provided guidance on patients seeking transport. A spokesman said: “The non-emergency patient transport service is only available for patients who are unable (for medical reasons) to use private or public transport services for their journey to and/or from our hospitals. Individuals without a medical need for transport should take responsibility for organising their own transport.”
