Welsh Ambulance Service fleet win transport and logistics award

THE Welsh Ambulance Service has scooped a prestigious industry award for its work in modernising its fleet to more environmentally friendly vehicles.

At yesterday’s virtual Health Business Awards, hosted by TV’s Dr Hilary Jones, the Trust were named the winners in the Transport and Logistics category.

The recognition had extra significance as the Trust did not submit an application – they were nominated by the organisers themselves who had monitored their progress.

Chris Turley, the Trust’s Director of Finance, said: “I’m immensely proud that the work of the Trust’s Fleet Department has been recognised by the Health Business Awards in this way.

“This year more than ever, with the continuing service and financial pressures we have been under, to be able to continue to modernise our fleet in the way that we have is fantastic.

“We have introduced our first Toyota Rav4 hybrid Rapid Response cars and have commissioned new and improved emergency and non-emergency ambulances.

“This has been no easy task and it is great to see the team’s efforts recognised.

“We can still further modernise the Trust’s fleet and work towards our recently published Environment Strategy, but this recognition proves we are moving in the right direction.

“We continue to strive to provide the best for our patients and staff, which I am sure was a key factor in the Health Business Awards nomination and award.”

Forty six of the new Toyota Rav4 Hybrid rapid response cars are now on the road across Wales, replacing some of the Trust’s older diesel-powered vehicles.

The mile-per-gallon of the new rapid response car will increase from around 22mpg to 31mpg, which equates to a reduction of around 125 tonnes of CO2 emitted per year.

The Trust has also commissioned new and improved emergency and non-emergency ambulances, as well as a fleet maintenance vehicle to help with the upkeep of its new haul.

Health Business is a leading industry magazine and web publication of 15 years standing that covers all aspects healthcare and hospital management.