Trust invests in Hi-Tech trolleys

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust is to the first ambulance trust in the country to introduce a new type of stretcher trolley to its ambulances.

The Trust has bought 14 battery operated Stryker's new Power-PRO ambulance cots which are in use on ambulances in parts of Sussex.

The trolley, which was successfully trialled in 2006, uses an innovative battery hydraulic system which raises and lowers the patient with the touch of a button.

It also has an automatic high speed retract feature which reduces the time needed to unload and load as well as a manual back-up in case the power is lost during operation.

Designed in conjunction with paramedics, it is not only easier to manoeuvre it also reduces the risk of back injuries to staff as patients are lifted electronically.

The Trust's Assistant Director of Technical services & Logistics, Justin Wand, commented, "The design and performance of the equipment that our staff use every day is vital in the delivery of effective clinical care.

"The Trust believes that these new trolleys will help in achieving this aim as well as dramatically improving the safety for our patients and staff.

"The Power-PRO TL, with its ergonomic features, brings a new level of ease of use and robustness of design that has been greatly welcomed by operational staff and I look forward to putting the cot into operation across the Trust."

The Power-Pro ambulance cot is the only battery operated trolley available in the UK which complies with standards set by the European Committee for standardisation (CEN).

It was launched at the Ambulance Service Association's annual conference, Ambex, in June 2007, and generated a great deal of interest. As a result it is currently being evaluated by a number of other ambulance trusts.