A research paper commissioned by Purple House Cancer Support entitled ‘Transport as a Practical and Psycho-social Support for People with Cancer’ written by Mags Crean & Ciaran Carroll showed that the volunteer hospital transport service provided by the Cancer charity is more cost effective to the state and is a vital support to those receiving treatment for Cancer.
The report also highlights that the Purple House Transport service is limited by the lack of Government support. Purple House is calling on all TDs in the Leinster areas to endorse this report and draw attention to the vital transport needs of people with cancer in their constituencies.
Speaking on the launch of the report, Veronica O’Leary, CEO of Purple House Cancer Support says:
‘Transport to and from Cancer treatment appointments benefit the patient and the family while also reducing anxiety and stress, particularly when the volunteer driver is experienced, adequately trained, and receives appropriate supports.
The Government has initiated the consultation process for the third National Cancer Strategy for 2016-2025. Practical supports like transport need to be central to a psycho-social and community based approach to cancer support. The research we carried out provides an evidence-base to make the case for the critical role that practical support like transport can play in the cancer journey.’
The demand for Purple House’s transport service has been increasing by approximately 10% each year. The organisation completed 409 trips in 2014. The service is financially supported through fund-raising activities and receives no statutory financial support. It is highly cost-effective when the financial, practical and emotional costs are factored into alternative private and public transport options.
Thomas, a retired paramedic and volunteer driver with Purple House says:
‘Gentlemen that have prostate cancer as part of their treatment need to drink six glasses of water before their treatment in the hospital, this means taking buses to and from the hospital is not ideal. The transport provided by the Purple House Cancer Support is vital.’
The full report is available for view here: Purple House Transport Service Research Report 2015
For more information please contact us on 01-2866966 or email info@purplehouse.ie
Report authors Ciaran Carroll & Mags Crean with Purple House CEO Veronica O’Leary.
