- Health shuttle drivers, assistants needed
THE first group of volunteers for the Opotiki District Health Shuttle received a run-down on the role last week.
This first meeting gave volunteers a chance to understand training, responsibilities and to meet with other volunteers.
Opotiki St John secretary Angela Bryan said training for volunteers would include undertaking observer shifts on the Tauranga health shuttle, completing a first aid course and then undergoing a driver assessment with a St John driving instructor.
Volunteers would either act as drivers, who would be responsible for driving the health shuttle, or assistants, who were aboard the shuttle to assist passengers and the driver.
“Seventeen applications have been received for volunteer drivers and assistants, but it is hoped to have at least 20 volunteers signed up to be able to keep the shuttle running five days a week,” she said.
Application forms can be collected from ColourPlus Opotiki and returned there for processing.
“The more volunteer drivers that are signed up the more often the shuttle service will be able to run,” said Ms Bryan.
“Volunteer drivers do not necessarily have to live in Opotiki, applications are being accepted from folk further up the coast as it is hoped to have a second vehicle servicing the coast area by the end of the year.”
A final recruitment session will be held on Thursday at 2pm at the St John Ambulance hall for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer.
Alternatively, hopeful volunteers can visit stjohn.org.nz/volunteer and search for job #39979 or phone Ms Bryan on 0272203376.