New dedicated ambulances for
Leeds and Tayside
The services are primarily for transporting patients at the end of life who are going to another place of care such as their home or community hospital.
Before the introduction of these ambulances, it was not uncommon for palliative care patients to face long delays when waiting for transport. The new services are 100 per cent dedicated to transporting palliative care patients and respond quickly to requests.
A crew of two Ambulance Care Assistants operate each ambulance, and have been specially trained to deal with the specific care needs of palliative care patients.
The crews are currently using regular ambulances to transport patients while new bespoke vehicles are fitted out. Due to arrive in the summer, the bespoke ambulances are being designed to help patients feel comfortable and relaxed, with features such as a relaxing decor, reclining chairs and palliative medical equipment. Additional seating may also allow a companion to travel with the patient.
Awareness raising campaigns are currently underway in both locations to generate patient referrals.
The Tayside service has so far transported 16 patients. Ian Golding, Head of Patient Transport Services at the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “I’m pleased with the number of referrals we’ve received so early in the service, and with all the awareness raising efforts I’m looking forward to this continuing to increase each week.
“The crew is also looking forward to getting hold of the new bespoke vehicle in the summer, which we hope will help patients to feel more relaxed and at ease on what can be a traumatic journey.”
The Leeds service had just commenced operation.
