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Renault Expands Fleet With 250 Vans For UK’s Leading Patient Transport Provider EMED
EMED has expanded its fleet by adding over 250 Renault Master vans, following the acquisition of two new patient transport contracts in Sussex, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Frimley. These specially converted vans are used to transport outpatients who cannot attend crucial appointments otherwise. This order means Renault vehicles now make up 48% of EMED's fleet, which includes more than 1,300 vans and cars.
EMED's decision to choose Renault over other brands was influenced by the durability and reliability of their existing Renault vehicles. The company plans to further increase its number of Renault vehicles by adding the new Master model later in 2025. The weight of the base Master van allows EMED to keep the fully-converted unit below 3.5 tonnes, enabling a wide range of staff to drive them for up to 10 hours daily.
The UK’s leading provider of patient transport services chose Renault again after launching new services across several regions. Formed in 2023, EMED has grown its fleet with these new LCVs to fulfil two brand-new contracts. These contracts involve providing mobility services to outpatients who cannot attend vital hospital appointments independently.
During an 18-month tender period, EMED evaluated vans from various brands but ultimately decided on Renault due to positive experiences with their existing vehicles. Key factors influencing this decision included reliability, durability, economy, and competitive pricing. The company aims to keep each new Master van for seven years, potentially extending this period to ten years.
Most of the newly acquired vans have been converted for non-emergency patient transport services (NEPTS), while five serve as high dependency unit (HDU) vehicles. NEPTS vans cater to patients with conditions like dementia or those needing dialysis and oncology appointments. HDU vehicles are equipped for transporting critical patients between treatment locations.
All vans come equipped with wheelchairs and oxygen; about half also include stretchers. Jimmy Sommerville, Group Fleet Manager at EMED, stated: "There are cheaper units, but you get what you pay for, and the Renault is a quality product while still offering a competitive cost."
Long-Term Commitment
Sommerville emphasised that having reliable vehicles is crucial: "It is more important that we have something which lasts." He noted that their experience with previous Renault LCVs has been very positive due to good reliability and no downtime. The crews also favour them; later this year, they plan to extend the fleet further with the addition of the new Master.
Justin Costello, Head of Fleet at Renault UK, expressed satisfaction: "It is very rewarding that Renault is enabling EMED to grow exponentially while helping some of the most vulnerable in our communities reach essential hospital appointments comfortably and safely."
The fact that EMED intends to retain its Masters for up to a decade highlights how durable and dependable Renault vehicles are.
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