After more than 600,000 kms and 12 years on the road, Central Otago Health Services greatly welcomes the upgrade of its Mercedes Sprinter patient transfer vehicle.

Numerous community groups, too many to name, have generously donated towards the new replacement vehicle - a Mercedes Sprinter 315 MWB, at a total cost of $104,603, plus fit-out.

Central Otago Health Services has been operating its own patient transport service (PTS) since June 2012.

The vehicle gives the hospital a seven day a week capability to transport patients between Dunstan Hospital, Clyde and Dunedin Public Hospital.

It is staffed by a team of five drivers and registered nurses from the Vincent Ward who transport between 20 and 35 patients per month.

These patients require additional care that cannot be provided at Dunstan Hospital, including surgery or specialist diagnostic equipment and procedures. 

It is also used to transport recovering patients undergoing rehabilitation back from Dunedin Hospital to Dunstan Hospital so they can be close to home with friends and family.

As well as this, there is occasional transportation of patients to aged residential care.  

Nursing director Tina Gilbertson explained that this is in addition to the emergency St John Ambulance and the air rescue helicopter service that is used for patients that require time critical care, including ICU or urgent surgery. 

Planning for the transition from ‘Benzo’ the old Mercedes to the yet ‘unnamed’ new vehicle is underway and work continues to raise the balance of the remaining $50,000 funding to enable the final fit-out to be completed.

The new hospital patient transfer service vehicle will need to be fitted out with medical equipment and stretchers. PHOTO: The Central App

The Mercedes Sprinter will need a new floor, installation of overhead lockers, under bed storage for patients’ belongings, plus retro fitting of rear jump seats, light bar sirens, medical equipment and stretchers.

An extra comfortable mattress ensures patients are well looked after on the 200km trip.

“Our drivers are hugely committed, and they will go the extra mile, literally, under quite challenging circumstances,” Tina said.

For people needing to attend appointments in Dunedin, there was another separate community health shuttle service run by Hato Hone – St John.

“The hospital wishes to sincerely thank the many generous donors, contributing to this wonderful new vehicle, without their support we would not be able to provide this highly valuable service.” 

The donors and public will be invited to an open day to view the new transfer vehicle when work is complete. 

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