Sustainability

First electric patient transport vehicle on the road in the North East

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North East Ambulance Service electric patient transport vehicle parked with dramatic sky backdrop
North East Ambulance Service electric patient transport vehicle. Photo credit: NEAS

As the North East Ambulance Service moves ahead with its sustainability plans, it is now trialling a new electric patient transport vehicle to boost its care for patients across the region.

The trial is using an electric Renault Master stretcher vehicle with seating for three seated passengers and one stretcher patient, it also has a ramp and winch system. Its performance will be closely monitored by the team at NEAS to see how this zero-emission technology responds to everyday scheduled ambulance operations.

Describing the trial as an exciting step forward in modernising the trust’s fleet, Head of Patient Transport, Barry Dews explained: “by testing the vehicle across different journey types and distances, we’ll gather valuable insight to help shape future fleet decisions, improve patient journeys and support a more sustainable ambulance service for the future.” 

The trust says that patients will benefit from a quieter and smoother journey, supporting comfort and dignity during transport.

The trial is part of NEAS’s wider electric vehicle programme, supporting the NHS Net Zero Travel and Transport Strategy to cut emissions while maintaining safe and effective care.  

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Catherine Levin

Catherine writes and commissions content from across the emergency services as well as interviewing senior leaders. She also hosts our webinar series exploring timely topics with a range of speakers.

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