Rumours began circulating about the closure of the volunteer driver service six weeks ago.

The volunteer service began about 20 years ago to transport people to Canberra or other locations like Bowral for specialist services if a patient is unable to arrange their own transport.

There are currently about 30 volunteer drivers working for the service. Most are retirees. They don't get paid, but are reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses.

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The most common run they do is to Canberra Hospital for Radiation Treatment for cancer patients). This comprises almost one car daily on this run with up to three patients.

Users of the service have contacted the Goulburn Post recently with their concerns about its closure.

A Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) spokesperson said on Friday that the service is not closing.

"Any claims the volunteer patient transport service at Goulburn Hospital will be interrupted or cancelled are incorrect. The delivery model of the service has never been in doubt,' the spokesperson said.

"Discussions on a restructure of the management matrix within the unit is all that is taking place, to establish what senior role will eventually be responsible for the service.

"SNSWLHD appreciates the hard work and dedication of volunteers who help in the delivery of services throughout the district, especially those involved in the volunteer patient transport service."

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The service is vital for local patients to ensure they get treatment, which can't be provided in Goulburn.

There are two cars allocated for the volunteer service which operate out of the Patient Transport Unit at The Bourke Street Health Service. Another car is allocated by the Hospital fleet manager for the Goulburn Base Hospital Wound Clinic patient transport on Monday and Thursday mornings.

Currently, the Bourke Street Health Service allocates 0.5 staff to run the volunteer drivers program.

All volunteers undergo a comprehensive assessment for criminal history, driving record and working with children clearance to be accepted as a volunteer driver.

To use the service a patient must contact the officer running the program who will assess their eligibility. A patient must demonstrate they are unable to be transported either by themselves, family or friends. Often they don't drive or own a car or their current health condition, or its treatment, prevents them from driving.

The volunteer service assists patients who are generally able to get in and out of a car. A walking frame is acceptable, but not the heavy lifting of patients or wheelchairs.

The service operates during the daytime, but patients can be dropped off one day and picked up the next if an overnight hospital stay required.

For more information about it call 4824 1801.

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