Sixty six new vehicles for NIAS

Tuesday, 05 May, 2009



Health Minister Michael McGimpsey recently announced the delivery of a range of 66 new vehicles for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS).

Twenty-six replacement and two additional A&E ambulances, 25 Patient Care Service vehicles and 13 Rapid Response Vehicles (RRV). It is part of the NIAS ambulance replacement programme, which will ensure that no vehicle will be more than five years old.

Speaking at NIAS Headquarters in Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Public Safety Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "For too many years, the Ambulance Service has suffered from a lack of investment. As part of the fleet replacement programme, NIAS will over the next three years secure more than 150 new vehicles, which will be deployed throughout Northern Ireland. This is part of a £17million capital investment in vehicles and equipment."

Mr Liam McIvor, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, spoke of his delight at seeing the delivery of the new vehicles. He said: "We have been highlighting for a number of years now the need for ongoing investment in the ageing ambulance fleet. The Minister has made the funding available and today we can see the real benefits of that investment.

"These vehicles will play a vital role as NIAS aims to continue to deliver the highest levels of pre-hospital care to the population of Northern Ireland. The ongoing modernization of the ambulance service will be greatly enhanced with a fleet which itself is the most up to
date thereby increasing reliability and patient confidence."

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