9 September 2009
Two G4S NHS transport ambulance drivers for Sutton, St Helier and Epsom hospitals have got their names in high places, after one grateful patient wrote to Her Majesty The Queen about the service they provide.
Margaret Shaw from Carshalton was so impressed by the care and service that the ambulance drivers, Michaelle Addison and Monday Erhabour gave to her that she wrote to The Queen at Buckingham Palace.
In the letter, Mrs Shaw praised the two drivers for their "care, kindness and VIP treatment" and also thanked them for always getting her to her appointment on time. Mrs Shaw has since received a reply from The Queen's lady-in-waiting, which said that "careful note" had been taken of the comments.
The palace then forwarded the letter to Secretary of State for Health.
Michaelle said: "Mrs Shaw did say that she was going to write to The Queen, but we didn't really think that she would. It was a really nice surprise and it's good to know that we've made a difference to someone."
G4S transport ambulance drivers pick up elderly or immobile patients from their homes, take them to their hospital appointments and then drive them back home after their treatment.
Michaelle added: "There are times doing this job that you become aware of just how much you mean to people. For some elderly and immobile people, who couldn't manage to get to hospital on their own, the role we have is not only important in getting them the care that they need, but we're also a friendly face to chat to.
"Monday and I do try and go the extra mile for our patients, and I think we make a good team because we're happy and friendly and we have a lot of compassion for the people that we're picking up".
