Volunteer Car Drivers

Ambulance Car Service Drivers (ACS) are volunteers who use their own vehicles to help with the transportation of patients to and from hospitals and clinics, thereby leaving ambulances free for emergencies and for patients too ill to travel by car. We currently have over 150 volunteers helping out throughout the North East.

Volunteers are not paid for their time, however they do receive out of pocket expenses for their mileage.

The basic criteria you need to be considered as a volunteer driver are:

• Be of good character and provide at least two character references/employee reference.
• Occupational health clearance.
• Must have full driving license with maximum of three points.
• Possess a suitable vehicle.
• Undergo an enhanced DBS check

Volunteer application information sheet

If you are interested in volunteering or if you wish to contact the Volunteer Development Team for any further information, please email volunteer.development.team@neas.nhs.uk.

Being a volunteer can be very rewarding

Susan has been an ACS driver for five years. She has also been a community first responder 12 years. She said: "I love driving, talking to folk and interacting with people who you wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet"

Janice, from Bedlington, volunteers as an ACS driver.  She said: “The people that I meet make me happy because they are so grateful that someone is using their own time to help them, transporting them to and from appointments," she said. "I have met some amazing people over the years. The job is very emotional sometimes but I take a feeling of satisfaction from helping other people.”

John said: "Some of our volunteers have enjoyed it so much they have stayed with us for over 10 years, others have gone on to get permanent jobs within the NHS."