International Ambulance and Healthcare provider Falck has just improved its UK Patient Transport Service function with the arrival of a fleet of New MAN TGE Ambulances.
The 92 new Patient Transport Service (PTS) vehicles will be operated by Falck Ambulance UK and will be based on its new Wembley operating base.
For more than a century, Falck has worked with both public and private organisations across the world to assist and support people in to prevent accidents, diseases and emergency situations, to rescue and assist people in emergencies quickly and competently and to rehabilitate people after illness or injury.
As a direct result of over 113 years dedication in helping people, Falck has become the world’s largest independent ambulance providers, with operations in 31 countries across the world.
Simon Thwaites, Head of Fleet Falck UK, said: ‘Our aim is to expand on our people-helping-people philosophy and to become a leading provider of independent ambulance and Patient Transport Service (PTS) vehicles in the UK.
‘These new cutting edge MAN TGE based ambulances, all equipped and built using the latest patient transport healthcare practices, will help us deliver not only a greater level of operational excellence but a more efficient and modern level of service throughout the cycle of patient care.’
The TGE vans, all 3.140 medium wheelbase high roof models, were converted locally by one of the UK’s leading specialist commercial vehicle body builders, Cartwright Conversions of Belton Lincolnshire. Featuring a moulded interior lining which is easy to wipe down and a new composite none-slip flooring, they offer a bright, comforting, practical and modern environment which offers a generous amount of space for patients, passengers, staff and capacity for storing equipment.
Each of the vehicles comes equipped with the facility to carry patients of all mobilities including those requiring specialised stretchers or wheelchairs. To safeguard patient welfare Falck have designed the vehicles with additional heating and air conditioning, tinted windows, modesty screens and a flexible seating layout which enables a patient’s family members, or a carer, to accompany them during their trip. Rear access ramps and additional side-loading door steps are fitted to all vehicles. All of the 92 converted vehicles are built to the highest standards in Cartwright’s dedicated ISO9001 facility.
Simon continued: “This new fleet is of major importance to Falck UK, it enables us to offer our customers the highest levels of treatment using the best equipment available. Our patient transport fleet, a heavily used service, provides a much needed specialised solution to non-emergency ambulance requirements.”
Supplied by MAN Truck & Bus UK’s Direct Fleet Sales Van operation, Falcks’ latest vehicles are powered by the environmentally friendly 2.0-litre turbo diesel 140hp, Euro 6, MAN four-cylinder engines, all are rear wheel drive.
Matched to the optional eight-speed Automatic Transmission, which replaces the standard six-speed manual, this smooth fully automated drivetrain provides the performance required for Falck’s demanding role and a passenger friendly stepless gear change, while also meeting the latest emission standards.
Addressing safety needs, all MAN TGEs come equipped with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) as standard. The EBA system issues a visual and audible warning in the event that a driver doesn’t react to an approaching hazard and if necessary, activates the brakes. ABS and ESP are also standard as is both Crosswind Assist, which ensures the vehicle stays in its lane in case of a side wind or on a laterally sloped road surface, and, Multi-collision Brake which when a collision is detected ensures the vehicle fully brakes to prevent further accidents. Helping reduce costly minor damage when parking Falck have fitted audible front and rear parking sensors.
Cartwright Conversions have fitted NMI recessed floor tracking throughout the vehicles to ensure that stretchers, wheelchairs and additional seating can be both adapted and neatly folded away to suit individual movements and easily adjusted to maximise patient safety and security. USB charging points are fitted throughout the vehicles to help maximise passenger comfort.
Dan George, MAN TGE – International & National Key Account Manager, commented: ‘We have formed a close working partnership with Falck in developing the specification for these new Patient Transport Service (PTS) vehicles and the feedback we have received so far has been extremely positive.
‘We are delighted to have secured this opportunity and we look forward to working with all parties involved, Falck and Cartwright, in the near future.”
Like all MAN vans, Falck’s, TGEs are backed by three-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty. Vehicle maintenance is catered for by the dedicated MAN Commercial Vehicle dealer network which offers extended opening hours and round the clock servicing, designed to meet and service the needs of the customer.
Today Falck operates over 2,500 ambulances worldwide and employ a staff of more than 32,000 people across the world. In the UK within the non-emergency fleet, Falck employs over 400 dedicated staff and operate 426 specialist Patient Transport Service (PTS) vehicles. Their Patient Transport Service (PTS) fleet supports five NHS Trusts as well as a number of Clinical Commissioning Groups across the UK.
