NEW VEHICLE TO HELP ST OSWALD’S HOSPICE​

Vic Young Conversions, a division of Vic Young (South Shields) Ltd, has developed a specialist multipurpose vehicle for St Oswald’s Hospice.  The vehicle will be used to transport all patients including those with reduced mobility to and from their homes to the hospice in the highest level of comfort and safety.    

St Oswald’s Hospice is a registered charity providing hospice care for adults, young people and children in the North East of England. The hospice has a long standing relationship with Vic Young, who has been a supporter of the charity for over 20 years and approached the firm to carry out the conversion which was required to increase their fleet of vehicles providing free patient transport support.  One of only 8 companies within Western Europe that have full Renault-Tec conversion approval, Vic Young Conversions​ developed the patient transport vehicle using a Renault Master minibus.  

The minibus has been converted to a high technical specification and every detail purposefully designed with the needs, comfort and safety of the passengers in mind. Using the shell of the minibus, Vic Young Conversions​ customised the interior structure to allow up to 3 wheelchairs and 5 passengers, providing the perfect solution for the hospice.  

Key features include rear seats that rotate to the side, allowing for a fully customised interior space and fitting of wheelchairs, full height rear door for easy access, vinyl floor and seats which are easy to clean, to meet the high level of cleanliness required and a rear-entry electrical / hydraulic wheelchair lift in order to enter or exit the vehicle safely.  

Karen Toker, Transport Co-ordinator at St Oswald’s, said: “This is the first time that we’ve worked with Vic Young and I’ve been extremely impressed with their competitive pricing and customer service. This bespoke conversion meets our patients’ needs perfectly and is of a very high standard. The fact that they are a local company means that I’ve been able to visit their factory, they have been to the Hospice several times and they are always at the end of the phone.

The new minibus will be used daily to transport adult patients, young adults and children. Being able to offer a free transport service to so many local people is key to the services we offer and enables patients to access our care or go on trips out.”

Vic Young, Managing Director at Vic Young South Shields, adds: “I’m passionate about the North East and have supported a number of charities, care homes and organisations for over 30 years.

St Oswald’s Hospice is a fantastic charity which does excellent work in the North East as they don’t just address physical symptoms but also spiritual and emotional needs too. Families from across the region have benefited from their services and this has made our involvement even more gratifying.

The charity relies on support from voluntary giving and we wanted to do our part by subsidising a portion of the cost and sponsoring the vehicle. We’re pleased to help them in this way so they can continue their vital work.”

Over the years Vic Young Conversions has developed various specialist vehicles; including a revolutionary ‘Electric Oven Van’ for Sodexo, a leading UK catering supplier and a private ambulance for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Gateshead. They have also gained a reputation in the industry for solving operating and design problems using the latest techniques and technologies available.

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