The project was borne when a group of concerned citizens in Skibbereen became aware of a number of cancer patients who found it difficult to access transport each day to Cork. Community:
Each vehicle is driven on a voluntary basis. Volunteers have come forward from communities across West East and North Cork, giving a day per month driving a passenger to Cork for treatment. Communities are anxiou
s to promote and support the service in their own area. Volunteers continuously exceed this ‘requirement’ and have taken to promoting the service in their own community ensuring that locals are aware of the transport opportunities, and also in recruiting further volunteers. Community ownership ensures the sustainability of the service –creating a local panel of drivers ensures that a transport request from someone in Castletownbere can be facilitated within the community. The service is free for everyone. It’s a cost-free service for the community, by the community. Routes
There are 2 aspects to the service;
1. A radiotherapy service operates Monday to Friday leaving from Goleen, Youghal, Rockchapel and Castletownbere. Each vehicle can carry up to 8 passengers. Each route has a set timetable with pick up times and points scheduled. (See maps below). Each vehicle arrives in Cork University Hospital by 12pm, and each passenger receives treatment and is en route home within the hour.
2. The second service available is for passengers receiving chemotherapy, or related appointments (such as scans, blood tests, Doctor appointments etc.). In this case, the passenger is collected from home, and brought to Cork in the driver’s car, at the individuals scheduled appointment time. This is a one to one service, recognising the vulnerability of a passenger receiving chemotherapy and also the need for flexible times. In terms of geography, passengers from across West Cork may access the transport; passengers hail from a range of areas including Bantry, Dunmanway, Courtmacsherry, Union Hall, Timoleague, Ballingeary, Drinagh, Baltimore, Adrigole, Allihies. Finances
All Services are provided to the passenger free of charge. Operational costs are met by contributions, donations and fundraising. Cork Cancer Connect CLG t/a Cancer Connect. Registered Charity Number: 20206109. CHY Number: 22770
