New Patient Transfer Service ambulance based in Invercargill
A brand-new ambulance was recently added to the Hato Hone St John Patient Transfer Service (PTS) ambulance fleet in Invercargill, designed to provide high volume daily scheduled service between Invercargill and Dunedin.
Funded by Hato Hone St John, the new vehicle is the first of Hato Hone St John’s new long liner PTS ambulances and replaces one that has reached the end of its life.
Wrapped in the latest Waka Manaaki design, the ambulance comes with many exciting new features. It provides comfortable seating for four people, includes built-in child restraints and is fully air-conditioned. With a fit-for-purpose setup, the new ambulance is equipped with self-loading dual Power-PRO stretchers, an industry-leading powered ambulance cot that is capable of comfortably transporting patients and will also help reduce potential handling injuries for ambulance staff. In addition, the vehicle provides AC electrical power for specialist medical equipment.
Designated to travel primarily between Invercargill and Dunedin, the new ambulance also assists in air and acute retrievals throughout the Southern district. The new ambulance has completed more than 100 patient transfers since it started service on 9 December 2022.
Leanne Samuel, Te Whatu Ora Operations Manager – Patient Flow for Southland Hospital, says the new ambulance brings significant improvement in comfort and safety during patient transfer for both patients and staff. “We are thrilled with this new vehicle which provides the district with an efficient transport ambulance service.”
Chris Haines, Hato Hone St John National Operations Manager – Patient Transfer Services, says the new ambulance will further enhance the Patient Transfer Service in Southland, benefiting non-acute patients during inter-hospital transfers and from private hospitals and aged care facilities.
“This new PTS ambulance for Invercargill will not only ensure we can continue to meet the increasing demands for this service, but also to provide our ambulance officers with the best possible equipment to work with,” says Mr Haines.
Hato Hone St John Patient Transfer Services Ambulance Officer, Malcolm Mitchell says he has been in Invercargill for 12 years and was super excited to have the new ambulance in service.
“When our new vehicle arrived, I reckon you could see my smile from space. We have had our new PTS ambulance for almost two months now and I speak on behalf of our PTS team here in Invercargill when I say how honoured and privileged we are to have received the very first of its type in New Zealand.”
Mr Mitchell says that having the two Power-PRO stretchers has been life changing for everyone using the new ambulance, and the internal layout of the ambulance is very user friendly.
The exterior of the new Hato Hone St John’s new long liner PTS ambulance, wrapped in the latest Waka Manaaki design.
The interior of the new Hato Hone St John’s new long liner PTS ambulance features comfortable seating for four people, includes built-in child restraints and is fully air-conditioned.