The Driving Force takes anyone who has cancer and is registered with a GP in Bonnybridge, Denny or Banknock to hospital appointments for FREE.
Do I have to pay to travel with the Driving Force?
No. The Driving Force is free for all users. We are funded by donations and fundraising events.
How much notice do I need to give?
The more notice you can give the easier it is for us to organise drivers. Please contact your GP receptionist or use the book a driver form on our home page as soon as you have any appointment dates. We can sometimes provide drivers at short notice, but we do need to know at least a day in advance.
What happens if the date of my appointment is changed, or I can’t go?
If you have more than a day’s notice please contact your doctor’s surgery so they can pass the message on to the coordinator. Your driver will give you his or her phone number so you can contact them if this happens at short notice.
Can I take someone with me?
Yes, you can take a relative or friend with you, there is no charge for them either. Please tell the coordinator when they contact you to arrange your transport.
Can I go to other medical appointments with the Driving Force?
Yes, we can take you to other hospital appointments for illnesses other than cancer, and for dental and eye appointments.
Can I take my wheelchair?
Most drivers can fit a wheel chair in their car. Please tell the coordinator and they will make sure you get a driver who can. We also have a wheel chair of our own that you can use if you wish - just tell us in advance.
Is the service door to door?
Yes it is. Your driver will pick you up from your house, take you straight to the hospital and bring you straight home, making sure you are safely inside before they leave.
Can I use my blue badge?
If you have a blue badge please bring it with you. We do have special places to park at some hospitals but even so they are handy to have.
Will the driver wait for me while I am at my appointment?
Drivers usually wait for patients at the hospital. They all have mobiles and the nurses at the clinic will call them for you if you need them to. If you are having a long treatment at a local hospital the driver may go home. Just ask the hospital to ring them when you are finished. The driver will give you a card with their phone number on it if you need them to.
Have your drivers had police checks?
All our drivers have had the appropriate PVG check, provided us with 2 references and been interviewed by our volunteer coordinator.
Do your drivers have special insurance?
Drivers do not need to have special insurance to drive for us, though we do provide them with a letter for their insurance company. The Driving Force is covered by public liability insurance.
What do I do if I am not registered with a Bonnybridge or Denny GP and can’t use your service?
There are some other voluntary organisations that provide this service in other parts of Scotland. www.cancercars.co.uk has a list of these. Alternatively your local GP, cancer nurse or oncology unit may be able to give you details of what is available in your area.
Will the Driving Force bring visitors to see me if I am admitted to hospital or the hospice?
Yes, we can if we have free drivers. We do this Mon-Fri for a 2 hour visit, preferably 2-4pm. We can do this for you 2 days a week and would need a minimum of 2 days notice to arrange it.
If I live in Forth Valley but not in Denny, Bonnybridge or Banknock is there anyone else who can help?
Other similar services to the driving Force in Forth Valley are listed below.
Anybody with cancer who is registered at either Bonnybridge, Banknock, Denny Cross, or Carronbank Health Centre can use our drivers to take them to and from hospital appointments and treatment sessions for cancer
Information for patientsEveryone involved in The Driving Force is a volunteer. Find out how you can get involved.
Get involvedScottish Charity Number SC036792