pjclinch wrote:[.......For example, the mechanical workshop fitters in my department (NHS Medical Physics/Clinical Engineering) have to be able to drive because we do a lot of contract work servicing community loan equipment for independent living. If one of our team needs to service a personal hoist in Brechin (30 miles away, indifferent bus service, no connected rail) then the reality of public transport and carrying the relevant equipment means they drive or the work can't be done. Unless you want us to spend lots of NHS money on taxis...
Pete.
I work within Medical Physics in NHS Lothian and, despite us providing an area service, cannot put the requirement for a driving license in the “essential “ column in the person spec as it is not a driving job. Instead be place is under “desirable” so gives us the opportunity to use it as a tie-breaker so to speak.
On occasion taxis are used and the contract prices paid are only marginally more expensive than mileage rates for using you own vehicle