Innovative UK-first patient transfer vehicles are set to transform non-emergency care across the Kent & Medway NHS Trust, following a major two-year project.

Led by G4S, the collaborative venture involved Fraikin and other expert stakeholders to redefine patient transport. The enterprise developed a highly configurable 3.5-tonne ambulance with the unique ability to transport two stretchers.

Following the culmination of development, G4S has taken delivery of an initial proof of concept vehicle, with 161 more set to follow on full-service contract hire from Fraikin.

The new 3.5-tonne Fiat Ducatos will operate across the Kent & Medway NHS Trust, with 155 featuring a uniquely versatile modular design that can be reconfigured for multiple operational requirements, including single stretcher, double stretcher, child transport combinations – a UK-first for a vehicle in this weight category. The remaining six feature a different specification to be used as High Dependency Unit (HDU) ambulances for patients requiring advanced levels of care.

Notably, the agreement extends beyond the vehicles to also include 161 Ferno PowerTraxx chairs – which can manoeuvre patients around tight corners and up and down staircases – and 80-powered stretchers. All 402 assets are treated individually within Fraikin’s fleet management system to support independent servicing, inspections and compliance.

Fiona Davies, managing director of citizen Services at G4S, said: “From the outset we wanted to understand the problems and challenges frontline crews face day-to-day, so we asked them!

“Using their feedback, we sought to work with the best in the industry to create a vehicle that moves away from traditional builds seen across the sector. This was a truly collaborative project, developing a best-in-class solution that will genuinely improve safety, whilst also making our operation more efficient, easier to manage, more sustainable and ultimately a superior experience for both patients and staff.”

G4S and Fraikin worked with specialist vehicle bodybuilder Victory Conversions, medical equipment supplier Ferno and PTS technical experts Serva to reimagine what a patient transfer vehicle could offer. The resulting highly configurable design means each vehicle can be setup to meet specific patient demands, with every crew having access to the equipment they need to be entirely self-sufficient.

Thanks to the multi-use functionality, G4S can significantly improve patient care by minimising delays and removing the need for unnecessary additional journeys. This subsequently helps to lower fuel costs, cut emissions, reduce vehicle wear and ultimately deliver a more sustainable operation.

Shaun Hull, commercial director at Fraikin, says: “This has been a true team effort from start to finish, proving that a shared ethos can drive real innovation. By combining key stakeholder expertise, a groundbreaking vehicle design, comprehensive asset management, alongside our powerful connected technologies, we’ve been able to create a solution that delivers maximum whole-life value.

“It has been particularly rewarding to witness the excitement from the team at G4S regarding the digital innovation that underpins the project. Through Mysmartfleet and FraikinView they gain market-leading visibility of both the fleet and specialist assets, enabling data-driven decision-making that delivers safer operations, reduced downtime and measurable savings throughout the contract.”

Based across seven hospitals in the Kent and Medway NHS Trust, the vehicles will be on the road 365 days a year, working round the clock to provide transfer services to patients across the south east of England, including London.