Volunteer Transport (Medical)

The Bass Coast Health Volunteer Program provides a patient transport service for eligible patients of Bass Coast Shire who need to attend any medical appointment. 

Volunteer drivers transport patients to and from medical appointments, which may include visits to specialists or allied health professionals, participation in community group, or admission to or discharge from hospital.

Eligibility

To determine if you're eligible, you'll be asked:

• Are you attending a medical appointment?              
• Do you need help to get in or out of the car?                                                                                                                        

The service is for people who: 

• are unable to use available public or other transport
• are unable to drive - permanently or temporarily
• live in an area without public transport
• do not have relatives or friends able to drive them to the appointment.

If you are aged over 65, you will need a transport referral code through My Aged Care (phone 1800 200 422). 
If you are aged under 65, you will require a letter of support/request from your GP

Availability

The program operates Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Volunteer transport is booked on a first-in basis once the patient meets eligibility criteria and fulfils a risk assessment.

To enquire or make a booking, phone 5671 3372. If we're unable to answer, please leave a message and we will return your call. Alternatively, you can email volunteer.coordinator@basscoasthealth.org.au . The booking office is open weekdays, 9am-4pm. 

To help us accommodate as many people as possible, if you no longer require the service, please phone the office on 5671 3372. Please note that 48 hours' notice is required where possible or cancellation fees may apply.

Cost

Fees will be discussed with you at the time of requesting transport.

We are supported by the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Home and Community Care (HACC) to provide subsidised transport and to support clients transitioning to the Support at Home Program (formerly Home Care Packages (HCP)).