New vehicle for HAS

Wheelchair-accessible with an internal protective screen

We are determined to carry on providing the Hospital Aftercare Service for local older people and it is vital that we can do so safely during the coronavirus pandemic. By using our normal funding from Milton Keynes CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) and some extra NHSE (NHS England) funding we have leased a wheelchair accessible vehicle for a three month period from Fleximobility who are based in Oxford.

The vehicle will enable us to take people home from hospital individually whilst maintaining a safe distance between them and our staff. Ordinarily our staff use their own car but this specially adapted vehicle, with an internal protective screen between the front and the rear of the vehicle, will keep our clients and staff safe, whilst transporting a client comfortably and safely in their own wheelchair.

Whilst it is designed as a wheelchair accessible vehicle, we can also use it to transport patients who do not use a wheelchair as there is also a seat with necessary safety belts in the back. People can access the back seat via the ramp using mobility aids if they need to. The vehicle will also enable us to transport equipment such as commodes and walking frames, either with or without our clients.

The vehicle was delivered by Fleximobility on Tuesday 19th May and our Hospital Aftercare Service team was given a comprehensive demonstration of how to safely load a passenger in a wheelchair. We have already started using the vehicle to take people home. At the moment we are transporting approximately 15 patients a week as patient numbers are low because of the pandemic. In normal times we usually take home double that number. Not everyone we take home from hospital uses a wheelchair but we hope that having a wheelchair accessible vehicle with an internal protective screen will mean we can help more people.

To find out more about the services we are providing during the coronavirus pandemic call us on 01908 550700.