27 April 2020

Hackney Cabs Transform In A Bid To Help The NHS!

Across Southern England, cab drivers have been called upon to deliver coronavirus patients to two new specialist COVID-19 clinics in Southwark.

As the pandemic continues across the globe, ambulances all across the UK have been operating at a full capacity, Hackney cab drivers have been asked to turn their vehicles into makeshift ambulances to accommodate for the large number of new coronavirus patients.

This new initiative is being run by the ride-hailing firm GETT, who will communicate with both the NHS and drivers, and direct them to the patients’ homes.

Typically, a hackney cab will have glass barriers, as well as “money holes”. To protect the driver and reduce the risk of infection, these will both be sealed with adhesive for the driver’s safety.

Black cabs traditionally also have the benefit of having spacious areas for passengers. As well as the added benefit of more space for the patient, this will also help to ensure they remain further from the driver for their protection.

Should this scheme be successful in Southwark, it is believed that it could also be rolled out to other areas to help the growing number of COVID-19 cases.

Once the drivers have successfully dropped off their patients at either of the clinics, the taxi will then be cleaned to NHS standards to help prevent the spread.

The devisor of the scheme, Dr Gavin McColl, said: “London’s black cab drivers are keen to do all they can to help in this crisis and we are very pleased to be working with GETT and the London Taxi Drivers’ Association to put this in place.

 

“These purple London style taxis are everywhere in Baku” by shankar s., used under CC BY / Modified from original