North East Drive Mobility service celebrates double win at the national Driving Mobility awards.
Ran by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), the specialist service helps people across the region keep or regain their independence as drivers and passengers.
The award ceremony took place last month and saw the service scoop Centre of the Year, having been highly commended for the last two years. Pathway coordinator Paul Gasper took home the award for Individual of the Year.
The team said they were delighted at the win. “We’re pleased to be recognised for our hard work and dedicated support of Driving Mobility through sharing and working group involvement of excellent clinical and driving instructor practice.”
On winning an award, Paul said: “I feel very proud. I’m not comfortable being the centre of attention but it doesn’t lessen how much I appreciate the recognition.
“Though it is an individual award, I couldn’t have done it without the support of the department.”
As pathway coordinator, Paul manages the administrative and logistical aspects of a patient’s journey.
North East Drive Mobility supports people across the North of England who have a medical condition or disability which may affect their ability to drive or use a vehicle as a passenger. This includes driving assessment and tuition, vehicle adaptations, wheelchair assessments and children’s car seating.
They also offer support for people who may have been told they need to stop driving.
The service sees a range of people, from learner drivers, people considering returning to driving following a change in their health, and those who are unsure whether to retire from driving.
Their fleet of adapted vehicles help the team to find a solution which allows someone to drive wherever possible.
People can refer themselves for an assessment, advice or support by contacting the North East Drive Mobility team, either by telephone on 0191 287 5090 or email [email protected].