Army of “Covid cabbies” taking virus patients to specialist GP clinics in South-east London

By Owen Sheppard, Local Democracy Reporter

An army of black cab drivers has been hired to transport coronavirus patients to two new specialist GP clinics in South-east London.

With the London Ambulance Service at full capacity, Hackney carriage drivers in Southwark have been chosen to fill the gap because of their in-depth knowledge of London’s roads.

The traditional black cabs also benefit from having spacious passenger areas, and folding seats that are useful for moving patients.

And the glass barriers and “money holes” typically found inside black cabs will be sealed with adhesive to ensure drivers’ safety.

The new initiative will also be run with ride-hailing app GETT. The company will communicate with the NHS and drivers, and direct them to patients’ homes.

It is understood that this idea could be rolled-out to other parts of London if it proves successful in the borough of Southwark.

Meanwhile, the two new GP facilities will be located in the north and south of the borough. An NHS spokeswoman would not confirm the locations of the clinics, because they do not want patients arriving without a referral.

Patients who are displaying symptoms will have to be referred to the facility by their own GP, or from a 111 telephone call.

An NHS spokeswoman said: “We are working with the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association and GETT to have licensed Hackney carriages safely transport people in Southwark with non-urgent suspected Covid-19 symptoms, who require assessment for other health conditions to a GP clinic.

“The partnership aims to ensure that people are given appropriate medical care while avoiding the need to use public transport and to maintain social distancing, with the vehicles being chosen for the trial because they are easily cleaned and contain a divider separating the driver from the patient.”

Once the taxis have visited the clinic and dropped off their patient, the cars will be cleaned to NHS standards.

Angela Clarkson, director of the United Trade Action Group, said: “Our army of Covid cabbies is delighted that they are going to be able to use their professionalism and uniquely designed vehicles to make such a positive contribution to the NHS’s fight against the virus.

“Cabbies across London were already helping out in a number of ways by delivering food and essential supplies to NHS workers and giving them below cost rides to work, but have been so keen to do more since this crisis began.”

Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, said: “The black cab trade is proud to be part of this initiative to support Londoners and the NHS by getting people who need to see their GPs to their appointments quickly and safely.”