CareVan Transporting Patients

 

A new service for patients of Good Shepherd Medical Center and physicians who have privileges here began in early December.  The brightly colored CareVan is a Dodge Grand Caravan SE minivan with a Braun ramp conversion to accommodate wheelchair patients.  Service operates 8:30 to 4:00, Monday through Friday.  The CareVan travels to Hermiston, Echo, Stanfield, Umatilla, Irrigon and Boardman to pick up and deliver patients to medical care appointments in Hermiston, and then take those patients home.  Community meetings that the Good Shepherd Trustees’ Community Relations Committee has been having around the area revealed this need, and it was strongly confirmed by a subsequent survey of patients.

 

A volunteer at the main reception desk makes reservations for the CareVan, and dispatchs drivers to patient homes.  Reservations can be made by calling 667-3888.  Calls should be made no later than the day before; even so, there may be occasions when the times sought by the patient cannot be accommodated because of commitments made to other patients who called earlier. Questions can be directed to the Transportation Coordinator, Tina Cullers, at 667-3691.

 

Thanks go to Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation and Good Shepherd Medical Foundation for grant monies, and to Paul Parish Limited of Kennewick for a generous donation to contribute to the purchase of the van. Grant applications to support operating costs have been made to various other foundations.  We are not charging for the rides; still, donations are most welcome. Donation envelopes will be available in the CareVan for riders who can contribute to this service.  Most important, we would welcome any contributions friends of Good Shepherd could make to help get this up and going on a self-sustaining basis.  Donations are tax-deductible, and should be made to “Good Shepherd Medical Foundation” at 610 NW 11th St., Hermiston, OR 97838

 

Can You Volunteer for CareVan?

Good Shepherd’s CareVan program is looking for drivers and dispatchers who are willing to volunteer 1 half day per week on a regular basis.  Driving shifts run 8:00-noon and 1:00-5:00 pm; dispatch shifts are 8-11 am. 11-2 pm and 2-5 pm.  Call Tina Cullers at 667-3691 for more information.