More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A funeral director in Bearsted has found a new use for its limousines to help during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Family Funeral Service on Cavendish Way stopped using its limos for funerals because of the risk of infection.
Now Managing Director Michael Lawrence is using the cars to transfer patients without access to public transport to the Covid-19 assessment units.
Mr Lawrence said the limos are ideal for this job because of their unique features.
"The limos have glass screens in them so the person driving isn't at risk if the person in the back does happen to be infectious.
"My son Robert is the one doing the driving, he's been looking for something to do to help and this is one way we can take pressure off people.
"The limos have been sitting in the garages gathering dust so I'm glad we can put them to good use and the service is completely free."
Robert has been driving patients to the hub at Mote Park and Headcorn Aerodrome.
Mr Lawrence added: "If somebody rings their doctor's surgery, they are diverted to the hub and the hub do an assessment over the phone.
"If they think they need to see the patient in person but they don't have any public transport to get in, the hub will ring Robert who will then go and pick them up.
"He will call the patient when he's outside and leave a mask and gloves on their door step to put on before they get in the back.
"When they arrive at the centre, Robert will open the window from the front seat so nobody has to touch any buttons or switches.
"The doctors will do the assessment and then we'll drive the patient back home.
"The seats will be cleaned after every collection. We have disinfectant spray and a clinical waste bag so we can keep everything clean and safe."
