Members of the MROC 4x4 Response Group turned out in their Land Rovers to help transport medical staff on priority visits to patients requiring palliative care, and elderly and housebound patients, following a request from Solihull MBC on behalf of Solihull Care Trust.
The recent appalling weather conditions meant that unless this type of transport could be provided, the District Nurses undertaking the visits would not have been able to reach many of their very poorly patients. A team of experienced drivers from the Midland Rover Owners Club gave up their time to act as chauffeurs, enabling these very necessary visits to take place.
District Nurse Rachel Hogan from the Solihull Care Trust, said, 'We are all so grateful for your help. I don’t know how we would have reached our patients without your assistance. The roads are so treacherous and I got stuck several times yesterday. I was dreading not being able to get to my patients today. Thank you so much.'
Richard Smith, Vice Chairman of the MROC, was Rachel’s willing chauffeur for Sunday morning. Richard stated, 'The roads were covered with hard-packed snow and very slippery. Some of the homes that Rachel needed to visit were up steep hills and not easy to access. We were more than happy to offer our time and vehicles to help the District Nurses out.'
John Kesterton, MROC Club Secretary said, 'As a club, we like to do what we can for the local community. We feel that the Response Group is an important part of our club, where our members can use their skills, driving expertise and their well prepared vehicles to give valuable back-up when required, to the often over extended Emergency Services.'
The MROC 4x4 Response Group was set up to provide assistance to the Emergency Services and Local Authorities, and therefore local communities, when in time of need. Having a close working relationship with Solihull MBC and their Emergency Planning Department allows for positive links to be formed and maintained whilst playing an important role within and as part of the community. All drivers are volunteers; they do not get paid for their time, and the group are on call 24/7, 365 days a year.
For further information or to contact the MROC please visit the website: www.mroc.co.uk. click here for Midland Rover Owners Club
