Most patients / clients are usually ready when you call to collect them, you could always call 30 minutes in advance just to confirm that you will be there. The office does advise the client when the call is booked, but like anybody else they can forget. I bought a diary especially for CHAIN work as I know that even I can forget.!!!(and have forgot). I also record in it… Journey / mileage / donation ready for claiming / handing it back into the office at the end of the month. Do ask for a couple of DRIVER CLAIM forms.

Ensure that you have a supply of CHAIN donation envelopes in your glove compartment, 40p a mile is a guideline, some give more some give less, always advise them that the mileage has been say 13miles @40p = £5.20 or whatever. We are aiming to update the CHAIN Car journeys regular trip costs sheet, and you should have at least 6 with this little guideline letter. Before the start of the journey I usually write up the front of the envelope, and then on the back put the start mileage, and before setting off on the homeward journey work out the total mileage and it’s end cost / donation figure. If there are points of interest / useful observation about the client you have just picked up, please feed it back to the office who can then advise other drivers who might be taking that client at a later date. For instance: very unstable on their feet, : very difficult to manoeuvre wheelchair, :very heavy:, just anything that is helpful. If you would like to have a trial run before committing yourself further to CHAIN, please contact the office and they will be delighted to arrange it for you.

19.01.2011