Ferno to supply trolleys to Scottish Ambulance Service NHS Trust

Ferno has been named as a key supplier of ambulance trolleys to the Scottish Ambulance Service NHS Trust - one of the biggest in the UK.
The contract win follows the recent announcement that the Scottish Ambulance Service is investing £34.3 million over the next four years to replace more than 570 vehicles.
This will be made up of 326 new accident and emergency vehicles – comprising of traditional ambulances and paramedic response units - 98 patient transport vehicles and 151 support vehicles. Over time Ferno will supply the new vehicles with its Pegasus Stretcher Trolleys and the new Harrier LT LBS Bariatric Trolleys.
It also coincides with news that health chiefs spent almost £4 million in five years on specialist gear to treat obese patients.
According to the Scottish Sun NHS bosses splashed out £85,000 on just one hoist to lift overweight Scots. And extra wide shower chairs, special walking sticks and reinforced beds were also needed. Last night politicians blasted the massive bill for patients who are victims of their “own lifestyle”.
Tory health spokesman Jackson Carlaw said: “For some patients, obesity arrives as a result of medical misfortune, and we have to do all we can to help such people. However, extending that generosity to those who pile on weight through lifestyle choices is becoming increasingly challenging. You don’t catch obesity on the train. The ultimate responsibility must lie with the individual.”
Ferno Managing Director Jon Ellis says: “This is a very significant contract for Ferno and underscores both the quality of our products and the deep understanding we have of the challenges faced by a modern ambulance service to deliver equipment which best meet their needs.
“It is significant that our new Harrier LT LBS Bariatric Trolley is being adopted by the Scottish Ambulance Service as we have witnessed a significant rise in demand for bariatric medical equipment as emergency services and hospitals struggle to manage with the UK’s growing obesity problem.”
Ferno has developed a range of specialist equipment including ambulance trolleys, wheel chairs, evacuation chairs and hospital trolleys specifically designed for bariatric patients. The term "bariatric" refers to the population of obese patients who require specialist medical intervention and equipment.
Jon says: “The larger bariatric equipment we have designed and developed allows a smooth, dignified approach to dealing with larger patients and we have had really positive feedback from patients and medical professionals.”
The Harrier LT LBS Bariatric Trolley is the only electro-hydraulic trolley in the UK pre-hospital market that will lift a patient of 350kg. This minimises the effort needed for patient transport while protecting medical staff from any potential ergonomic problems.
The Pegasus Stretcher Trolley is suitable for use on ramped or tail-lift vehicles, fully compliant with the ‘lock and load’ two-part vehicle locking system, and has standard drop down foot end for use with PTS vehicles, making it one of the most versatile patient transfer trolleys on the market.