The launch of the Royal Rider

Visitors to the Royal who may struggle with their mobility will be able to get around the hospital with ease and in style thanks to the launch of our new Royal Rider service.

Thanks to investment from the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charitable Funds, the Trust has been able to buy two buggies which will be used to transport our visitors to the hospital anywhere on the ground floor.

The riders will be driven by volunteers and can be called for at the main reception or ‘hailed’ on the way around the hospital if free.

Richard Ball, Voluntary Services Manager at the Royal, said:-

“We’ve worked very closely with Charitable Funds and we’re delighted to be able to get this project up and running. It’s not always possible or appropriate for an individual to use a wheelchair so the purpose of the Royal Rider is to help anybody who comes into this hospital with mobility problems to get around the building much more easily.

“It’s a big building and for those arriving at the main entrance it’s a good ten minute walk for some to get to our inpatient wards on the other side of the hospital. The Royal Rider can go anywhere on the ground floor which means that even if we get these individuals to the lifts, they’ll be just a few yards away from wherever it is they need to be.”

Running on electricity, there are two buggies which will be used on alternate days, one will be charged whilst the other is out and about. Fitted with a bell to warn other corridor users of their whereabouts and a flashing light to increase visibility, the Royal Rider can carry two people at any one time.

Richard added:-

“The Riders will be based primarily in the main entrance and there will be ‘Bus Stop’ style visual references as to where they will return. The drivers will be carrying mobile phones so that they can be alerted by main reception staff if their services are needed and they will also be able to hand out cards with that phone number should they need to ring following an outpatient appointment for example.

“What we hope this will do is alleviate any anxiety that some visitors or patients may have about getting to their destination. It can be nerve-wracking enough for patients coming in for an appointment without having to worry about how they’re going to get to the clinic once they’ve arrived. Hopefully the Royal Rider will give these people the peace of mind they need.”

The Royal Rider is free to use but there will be donation tins, all proceeds go towards the Trust’s own Charitable Funds for the benefit of our patients, visitors and staff.