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TRANSPORT

About the Transport Service

 

Our Transport Service is a vital part of the support offered by the Foundation and has developed into an essential community service. The Service runs daily to Adelaide taking patients for cancer related treatment and appointments. 

 

This ‘service’ started with members of our Group in about 2004 using their private vehicles to ‘help out’ their neighbours in getting to hospital for treatment. In 2006 following the acquisition of suitable vehicles the current service began. As there is no suitable alternate transport available to many of our patients it would be impossible for them to attend their appointments without the support of our Service.

 

The Foundation has four vehicles, which travel daily to Adelaide. We provide transport to Noarlunga Public Hospital, ICON Noarlunga, Flinders Medical Centre (FMC), Flinders Private Hospital (FPH), Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer (Flinders Cancer Centre), Tennyson Centre, Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH), St Andrews Hospital, Calvary Adelaide Hospital, Lymphoedema and Laser Therapy at Payneham and other specialist practices in the Adelaide CBD.  

 

One of the key benefits of this service is the quick turnaround time. We only transport patients for cancer related appointments and treatments and this makes it possible, in many instances, to return the patients home as soon as the appointments or treatments are finished. This is of great benefit to our passengers as some are unwell and some need to travel daily for many weeks for treatment and as a result become very tired. Preference is given to passengers attending treatment related appointments but passengers with other cancer related appointments will be accommodated whenever possible.

 

Unfortunately we are unable to provide transport to pre-treatment visits such as diagnostic scans and biopsies. Due to safety reasons we are unable to transport passengers requiring oxygen or wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are available at Royal Adelaide Hospital, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders Private Hospital, Calvary Adelaide and St Andrew's Hospital for use during patient visits.

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It is important to note that our transport coordinators and our drivers volunteer their time to get our clients to their appointments on time, every week day except on public holidays. During busy holiday periods such as Christmas - New Year and Easter additional transport is available on Saturdays subject to driver availability to assist patients on daily treatment schedules. Transport schedules are prepared one week in advance with further additions and alterations made as needed. Patients are requested to let the transport coordinators know of any changes as early as possible to assist with the scheduling process.

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How to access the Transport Service

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Enquiries can be made in person at the Fleurieu Cancer Support Foundation located at Carrickalinga House, corner of Hill and Torrens Streets, Victor Harbor or by phoning 8552 9304. Our office hours are from 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday.

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Your initial enquiry will be directed to the Patient Assessment Coordinator who will make arrangements for one of our Volunteers to visit you in your own home to provide information about the service, obtain details of your appointments and ascertain your transport requirements.

  • How much does it cost to use the FCSF Transport Service?
    The service is provided on a donations only basis. There is no "correct" amount for a donation or how often donations are made. Please ask your Patient Assesment Coordinator for further details.
  • How far ahead of my appointment do I need to book?
    To avoid disappointment, we ask that you make a booking as soon as you have details of your appointment as our Service can get quite heavily booked from time to time.
  • How do I know what time I will be picked up?
    Your assigned driver will contact you between 4:00 and 7:00pm the evening before your appointment to arrange your pick up. If you haven't received a call by 7:00pm please contact the Rostering Officer on 0428 407 668.
  • What if my appointment is changed or cancelled?
    Please contact the Rostering Officer 0428 407 668 as soon as you know the details and your booking will be amended.
  • Can my spouse, partner, friend or carer come with me?"
    Spaces can be limited depending on the number of patients travelling. Priority is given to patients attending cancer treatments. Please discuss your needs with your Patient Assessment Coordinator and let us know at the time of booking to avoid disappointment.
  • I use a walking frame, will I be able to take it with me in the car?"
    Yes, all of our vehicles have generous boot space and most walking frames can be accommodated. Unfortunately we are unable to transport wheelchairs, however they are available at all of the hospitals, please ask at reception once you arrive.
  • I need some assistance once I arrive at the hospital, is the driver able to help?"
    Unfortunately our drivers can only provide a transport service from your point of pick up to the door of the treatment facility. You can request that a carer accompany you and if your appointment is at one of the major hospitals you can be dropped off at the transport department and assistance can be arranged there.
  • Is my service dog able to travel with me?
    Any registered service and assistance dog can travel with their owner, they are required to be restrained when in the vehicle. Please discuss your needs with your Patient Assessment Coordinator and let us know at the time of booking so that a space can be allocated in the car.
  • Will I be sharing a car with other passengers?
    Usually yes. For maximum efficiency and to minimise costs, cars usually have more than one passenger. Clients are assigned to vehicles based on the time and location of their appointments and their home addresses. Pick up and drop off is based on the most efficient route on the day.
  • Will the driver be able to wait for me if my treatment or doctors visit is delayed or lasts longer than expected?
    If you are experiencing any significant or unexpected delays, please let your driver know. On most occaisions the driver will be able to wait for you but if you are travelling in a vehicle with other passengers another driver may be arranged to bring you home when your treatment is complete.
  • I need to have a day surgery procedure that requires an anaesthetic, can I still travel with FSCF Transport?"
    Unfortunately we are not able to carry passengers who are recovering from an anaesthetic. We can take you to your appointment but you will need to make other arrangements to return home. If your procedure requires an overnight stay we will be able to take you to your appointment and then home again the next day.
  • What if I feel sick or need the toilet?
    All of our cars carry sickness bags and our drivers are aware of the location of toilets on the journey to and from Adelaide. Please ask your driver as soon as you feel uncomfortable so that they can plan a diversion if needed.
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