Successful ambulance service has ex-traffic cop in the driving seat
Published 18/10/2007
A FORMER traffic cop is putting his driving skills to good use transporting hospital patients to and from their appointments. John Hall, who served 30 years with the force, has joined his son Wayne, an ex-special constable, in a company that provides first-aid training services and operates a fleet of private ambulances throughout the north east. Director of Medical Services (North East) Limited, Wayne was a special in the Spennymoor and Newton Aycliffe areas for 12 years during which time he received a commendation and long service medal. John retired from the force more than three years ago after 30 years service. He spent most of his police career on traffic patrols in the Spennymoor area, working his last few years in traffic intelligence and the road casualty reduction unit. "This job is a huge change for me but gives a great sense of
achievement with the progress we are making. It's very satisfying knowing we can make a difference through the quality of service and help we can give people," said John who lives in Spennymoor with his wife Vera. The company was founded more than five years ago by Wayne and his fiancée Jo. It provides all types of first aid training services and operates a private ambulance service throughout the region. AMAZING "Things have really taken off recently and the company is going from strength to strength increasing turnover in the past 12 months by an amazing 36 per cent," said Wayne, who lives in Newton Aycliffe. The company's training centres have the approval of First Aid Qualifications (FAQ) and it holds the Investors in People Award. The company is also approved by the British Ambulance Association and the Health and Safety Executive. It provides non-emergency transport for several NHS hospitals
and for private hospitals in Newcastle, Cleveland, Washington and Darlington, in addition to primary care trusts and social services. Services include transporting patients between hospitals, long distances, paediatric transfers, from home to hospital for appointments, mental health patient transfers and providing transport for repatriation companies through local airports. "Over the past 12 months we have moved more than 5,500 patients, some as far away as Cornwall, and have just signed a significant contract with -BUPA covering the north east," said Wayne. He added that the new BUPA contract involves taking NHS patients from south of the Tyne to a surgery centre in Gateshead and to Washington hospital. In addition, when the new BUPA Tyneside hospital currently being built opens, the company will expand further to transport patients north of the Tyne, across to the borders of Hexham and up to Alnwick.
