A Fair City taxi firm showed its caring side when it offered to help pensioners get a lift to GP surgeries for their COVID vaccine.
Scottish GP surgeries are working flat out to deliver the jag to over-80s age and some other vulnerable groups.
But with treating that section of the population comes the worry of safe travel to the life-saving appointment.
This week, A&B Taxis in Perth announced its cab drivers would collect those called up to receive their vaccinations from their homes and take them to the doctors’ surgery in cars fitted with plastic screens to ensure the safety of vulnerable passengers.
The ride would be free and the drivers would be there waiting as long as the appointment took, on hand to bring them directly back home afterwards.
A&B boss Derek Sweeney said the company had recently had screens fitted to a lot of its cars.
He has also made contact with all the doctors’ surgeries in Perth.
On Wednesday, 92-year- old Stan McRae was off to the Perth City Medical Centre on Caledonian Road as the first of the free taxi vaccination transports.
A Perth man born and bred, Stan has been missing spending time socialising in his favourite spot, the Kirkside Bar, and cheering St Johnstone on with his many friends.
His daughter Issy Parczanyn explained that Stan had been offered the jag at home in Bridgend but wanted to go in to get it at the surgery to ensure there was no delay.
She told the PA: “He had an operation in September and since then he’s been keeping well, but he was insistent on getting the vaccine as soon as possible and that meant not waiting for it to come to him.
“I could not take him, he would not fit in my small sports car.
“So he was delighted to have the assistance of A&B Taxis to get him there and back.
“I think what they have chosen to do to help people like my dad is absolutely fantastic. What a brilliant thing to do.
“There is so much to worry about and knowing the upmost care is being taken to prevent infection on the journey to the GP is a great relief to anyone who has to make the outing from their home where they have been safe and well.
“Hats off to the drivers making this happen and the doctors and nurses getting the injections done.”
Taxi operator Derek told the PA one of his drivers, a former ambulance driver, had come up with the idea.
He added that the plan to transport those struggling to make their all-important date with the doctors was also prompted by his own experience.
“My mum is 81 and she is maybe bucking the trend as she still drives herself, and got to the GP on her own steam,” he explained.
“But knowing how hard it can be for someone without their own transport led me to ask if our drivers would lend a hand.”
Anyone in Perth experiencing a problem getting in for their appointment should ask their surgery to refer them for A&B’s assistance.
