Drivers fume as service slashed

Since the 1970s Red Cross volunteers have transported residents in the area out of town for medical appointments and procedures.

Often the trips are to major hospitals in Melbourne.

But last week the Red Cross told its 17 local volunteer drivers the car would go. Instead clients would use vehicles from Bendigo and Maryborough.

Red Cross community services manager Eamonn O'Toole said the cost of managing 39 cars across the state was getting too high and nine had to go. 

“Unfortunately there will be reductions in services but we are working closely to ensure clients are picked up by existing Red Cross or other transport services in each area,” he said.

Volunteer Peter Roache coordinates Castlemaine volunteers. He said the service was used mostly by the elderly and frail.

“They can’t access public transport and can’t rely on family and friends. Often they live alone because their partner has passed away. They might not get out much,” he said.

Mr Roache said he had received “a lot of calls” from angry clients, former clients and members of the community.

He said the decision to rely on Bendigo and Maryborough’s services was a mistaken one because those cars were often busy.

He was also shocked the Red Cross had not approached the state government for extra funding.

He had been invited to a meeting with Red Cross staff and volunteers to work out how Bendigo and Maryborough could service the Castlemaine area. 

“I said I’d only go if there was a Castlemaine car,” he said.

Mr Roache said his figures showed that last year 188 patients were transported in the Castlemaine vehicle, but 136 applications for the service were refused.

“I had a phone call the other morning from a patient who wanted to go to Bendigo on the 18^th. But on that day we are already sending the car to Melbourne,” he said.

“I had to tell them to try the Maryborough service. They asked what would happen if Maryborough couldn’t do it. I said ‘if not, well, sorry’.”

The Red Cross disputed Mr Roache’s figures, saying 152 patients were transported last year. They did not provide figures on non-successful applicants.