Since joining St John Scotland in 2019, Fiona Neilson has become a vital part of the organisation’s work supporting patients and volunteers across Dumfries and West Galloway. What began as a role driving patients to their medical appointments has grown into a leadership position where Fiona now serves as both Patient Transport Co-ordinator for Dumfries and Volunteer Lead for Dumfries and West Galloway.
Before starting her journey with St John Scotland, Fiona spent more than 30 years working in the police. When she moved on from that career, she was determined to continue helping people and contributing to her community. St John Scotland provided the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.
Fiona initially joined as a Patient Transport Driver, supporting patients who need help getting to hospital appointments. Over time, her commitment and experience led her to take on greater responsibility, moving into her current role coordinating transport services and leading volunteers in the region. The position allows her to combine her organisational skills with her passion for supporting others.
Working closely with volunteers is a central part of Fiona’s role. She provides guidance, supports CPR training and helps ensure that drivers feel confident, capable and well-supported in their work. Fiona speaks highly of the volunteers she works with and values the strong sense of teamwork within the service.
What motivates Fiona most is the difference the patient transport service makes in people’s lives. Many patients in the region must travel long distances sometimes between 120 and 130 miles—to attend vital hospital appointments. When taxi services are unreliable or unavailable, this can create significant stress and uncertainty. Fiona takes great pride in knowing that St John Scotland can provide a dependable and caring service that removes some of that worry.
She has also played an important role in developing and expanding the service locally. Fiona helped bring systems online, increase capacity and support the growth of the service from around 20 journeys a month to more than 80. This expansion has allowed St John Scotland to support more patients, introduce additional vehicles and reach more communities across the region.
For Fiona, the role is about continuing to do what matters most helping people. Whether she is coordinating journeys, supporting volunteers or improving the service, her focus remains on making a real and lasting difference to the lives of others.
