Special Moments Transport Service
Helping patients reconnect with the people, places and moments that matter most
Special Moments is a compassionate service from St John Ambulance Victoria’s Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT) team on a voluntary basis.
Far too often, end of life care is overwhelming or confusing. At this difficult and distressing time, patients can feel isolated or unsupported, and these feelings can often deepen in palliative care or after long-term placement in a facility. This is why we have launched the Special Moments service for those with life limiting conditions.
It supports eligible patients with terminal illness or complex health needs to safely and comfortably attend meaningful personal occasions, such as family gatherings, weddings, visits home or time in a special place.
What the Service Provides
We take patients on special journeys, to places that matter, for moments to treasure and memories to cherish. With medically supported transport delivered by trained patient transport crews in specially equipped vehicles with stretchers and wheelchairs, Special Moments makes it possible for patients to take part in important personal events and experiences with comfort, dignity and care:
- Taking a trip down memory lane and visiting a childhood home or treasured destination like the beach
- Attending a wedding or birthday party
- Visiting pets, family or friends who are unable to visit them
Who is Eligible
Patients generally have a terminal illness or complex health needs that requires monitoring and specialised support beyond what family members or friends are able to provide.
Why it Matters
We recognise that those who are unwell should get the opportunity to participate in a life beyond just medical appointments. Whether it’s one last visit to a special place full of memories, attending a family event like a wedding or milestone birthday – these are the Special Moments that are treasured and connect our patients to the joys of life.
The service came from a simple but powerful idea: patient care can not only be about getting from place to place, but about helping people experience moments that truly matter.
Book a Special Moment
To find out how this service might help create a safe, meaningful experiences for a patient or loved one, please make an enquiry via the form below, supplying as many details as possible. While we endeavour to fill all requests on a case-by-case basis, the service is voluntary and is based on the availability of our people and vehicles. We ask that any out of pocket costs for activities (e.g. zoo or concert tickets) are covered by the patient or family members.
Contact details: specialmoments@stjohnvic.com.au 03 8588 8300
Special Moments - Creating safe, meaningful moments beyond clinical care
Annie’s Unforgettable Day
Annie was a vibrant 41-year-old woman living with brain cancer and receiving palliative care. Despite her diagnosis, she remained focused on helping others, contributing to clinical trials and research that could benefit future patients. She longed to visit to a family friend’s farm followed by lunch at home surrounded by loved ones, so her care team reached out to St John to book a trip.
On the day, two St John members transported Annie to the farm, where three gentle horses greeted her, a moment filled with laughter, emotion and connection.
The journey continued to Annie’s home, where family and friends gathered around her as she rested comfortably on the stretcher in her living room, sharing food, stories and precious time together.
Glenda Attends Daughter’s Wedding
An inpatient at the Mornington Centre, Glenda had been told mobility and medical challenges would prevent her from attending her daughter’s wedding.
But with medical clearance and careful planning, St John Ambulance Patient Transport Officers Debra and Daryl transported Glenda to Phillip Island for the celebration.
The team decorated the vehicle with ribbons and ensured Glenda’s comfort and dignity throughout the journey.
She sat proudly in the front row beside her husband, embraced her daughter before the ceremony, and shared a dance with family during the reception; moments that would otherwise have been missed.
The crews were welcomed into family photos and speeches, becoming part of the celebration, a demonstration of the deep human connection created through the program.
