Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) has hailed the benefits of modular-building methods for staff and local communities, as a trial in Doncaster looks set to be rolled out across the region.
York-based modular building expert Portakabin was commissioned by YAS to design, manufacture and install five Local Ambulance Response Points (LARPs) in Doncaster, as part of the national drive by the NHS to create “hub and spoke” models for ambulance services.
The five “spoke” buildings are designed to ensure ambulance drivers and paramedics can take their breaks wherever they are during their 24-hour call-outs, rather than always having to drive back to the “hub” central ambulance station, which focuses on fleet maintenance, vehicle cleaning and preparation.
Each building has kitchen and dining facilities, toilets and changing rooms and rest and relaxation areas with TV and wi-fi.
YAS senior project manager, Paul Rook, said: “Feedback from our staff has been extremely positive. We worked closely with the Portakabin team, to ensure we not only catered for the practical needs of our ambulance crews, but also created light and airy spaces, which are comfortable in summer and winter.
“Each response point is located in areas of peak demand for our services, reducing vital response times for patients.
“Based on this experience we’re planning to roll-out the hub and spoke model in cities across the Yorkshire region as part of the NHS national drive to improve efficiency and staff and patient services.”
Portakabin bid manager, Helen Woodroffe, added: “We’ve been delighted with the response to this project and the real results it is achieving, both for the ambulance crews themselves and the community they’re serving.
“The 10m x 4m modular buildings have been designed to let in as much natural light as possible, with full height windows, but with one-way film to ensure privacy, heating and air conditioning creating a constant comfortable temperature and plenty of space for vital rest and relaxation periods.
“Defibrillators have also been installed outside each building as an added service to the local community.
“The modular solution is proving highly beneficial to a wide range of clients across the health service and many other sectors, where high quality, accessible buildings are needed.”