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Spotlight: Passenger Transport Service

15 July
We could not celebrate 45 years of Ardgowan Hospice without shining a spotlight on the service that started it all.Our Passenger Transport Service was launched in 1981 with help from the League of Hospital Friends Inverclyde; this service was started to support people who would otherwise struggle to make appointments and check-ups around Inverclyde, Glasgow and the surrounding areas. This service has been recognised globally and has won various awards since its inception, gaining attention as it was the first of its kind in the U.K.

The Passenger Transport Service is run by three members of staff, Bridget, Marie and Margaret and 23 volunteer drivers. Our incredible volunteer drivers collect passengers from their homes, take them to their appointment, wait for them, and drive them safely back home. We currently transport passengers to the Beatson Cancer Centre and Gartnavel, Queen Elizabeth Glasgow Royal, Royal Alexandria in Paisley, Vale of Leven, Golden Jubilee, Stobhill & New Victoria. In 2025, the service supported 134 passengers, totalling 1491 appointments.

“There is no way to improve the standards of your service. I am unbelievably blessed to have your service available; otherwise I wouldn’t be able to attend the Beatson for my consultations. Your drivers give up so much time and they are amazing and your staff are friendly and helpful.” – Service user

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carole Chamberlain has been a volunteer driver for 10 years. Her mum was cared for by the hospice team when she was living with cancer. Carole said: “After my mum passed, I wanted to spend time helping other people. I had always worked as a nurse and always wanted to try volunteering. I loved it from day one. I love the friendliness of it and meeting new people. Our transport co-ordinators are fantastic.”

Another volunteer driver is Joe Linning, who started driving for the service around a year ago.  Joe decided to volunteer his wife, and both of his parents, died from cancer, and all of them received pain relief and treatment from staff at the hospice. Joe said driving patients to and from their appointments is his way of saying ‘thank you’ for the care that was shown to his loved ones. He added: “I wanted to give something back to thank the staff for all of the care they provided. I love meeting people. I’m quite a sociable person, and I’m quite comfortable speaking to people for the first time. It helps the patients, and it helps me as well. The strength that they show is quite incredible. They accept that this is something they have to go through and they’re getting on with their life.”.
“The transport service has been a lifesaver for me over the last 3 and a half years. From the drivers to the co-coordinators, everyone has been so supportive. Sometimes [they were] the only person I had spoken to between treatments.” – Service user

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this service, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Transport team by emailing transport@ardgowanhospice.org or calling 01475 305045.

Without our dedicated volunteer drivers, we wouldn’t be able to provide this life-changing service. If you are interested in supporting this service by volunteering your time, please email volunteering@ardgowanhospice.org.

Have you been supported by this service or volunteered your time? Stories from people we have supported are the best way for us to secure vital future funding and support. If you would like to share your Ardgowan story, please complete this online form: https://forms.gle/xS3XXg1VP2p9Ye5RA

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