Quote:
Originally Posted by JerryG
Well, another subject where there appears to be differences of opinion!
But apart from the Legal issues, I mailed our National Trustees a week or so ago asking what, if any, was 4x4R UK's policy on this subject, and whether NHS in particular, were approaching other Teams to enter into contracts? This would appear to be a matter where a national approach might be appropriate and in all Teams interest. But I'm afraid I haven't had a reply from our Trustees ....!!
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Re NHS, historically for the Coventry, Solihull, Warwickshire (CSW) area the NHS were informed that they could request our support through the LA and we invoice the LA for mileage. That has just changed for the Solihull region - NHS are being told that their EPM must now make their own arrangements for 4x4 support. This will allow the LA to concentrate more on delivering local authority essential services; this new policy does not affect Social Services/Social Care etc or District Nurses providing palliative care and the plan is to eventually roll it out across the Coventry & Warwickshire areas too.
So we have had one or two contacts from the NHS asking that we can come to an arrangement with them to provide support in severe weather and will likely get more in time. The problem with the NHS is that they expect vehicles at the drop of a hat and still utilise the Response support as a free taxi service for staff transfers when taxis and buses are running or their own car simply needs pulling off the drive or to the end of the road.
With this new policy from Solihull the NHS in that area will no longer get free 'taxis' and any future arrangement with us will mean the NHS itself having to pay the mileage.
John Kesterton
Coordinator
MROC4x4R
