Hospital patients in Aberdeen are enjoying easier journeys between hospitals thanks to a new patient transport vehicle which has been funded by charitable donations.
NHS Grampian Charity, which is the official charity of NHS Grampian, has provided the health board with a new electric Vauxhall Combo Life which has been funded entirely through donations from its supporters.
The car has recently arrived in Aberdeen where it will be used to transport patients between different areas of Foresterhill health campus, and also between different hospital locations across the city.
Lisa Duthie, NHS Grampian Charity lead, says: “The new patient transport car is already hard at work helping to move patients around NHS Grampian sites.
“People often have to attend multiple appointments at different locations around Foresterhill, or even at different locations across the city, and this vehicle is an incredible resource to help those who need additional support to make these journeys.
“The car will be used to transport up to 10 patients a day every weekday, meaning that the car could support 13,000 patient journeys in its lifetime.”
The new vehicle is a modern, comfortable, environmentally-friendly replacement for the previous petrol patient transport vehicle which was funded by the charity in 2016. It has been modified to improve accessibility for patients, including those travelling with medical equipment, wheelchair users, elderly patients, and patients with mobility challenges.
Claire Robertson, supporter engagement assistant for the charity, says: “We are incredibly grateful to every single person who donates to hospitals across Grampian to fund initiatives like this.
“The charity uses donations to fund projects over and above core NHS services to help enhance our local hospitals, and to benefit patients and communities across Grampian.
“Every patient who uses this vehicle and has an easier experience at hospital because of it is directly benefiting from the generosity of the people of Grampian and, on their behalf, we want to thank everyone who has donated.”
NHS Grampian Charity is the official charity of NHS Grampian and uses the generous donations made by supporters to enhance the health and wellbeing of the people of Grampian through activities in hospitals, and in the wider community. Visit www.nhsgcharities.com for more information.