McGimpsey unveils new fire and ambulance vehicles

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has unveiled brand new vehicles for the Ambulance Service and the Fire and Rescue Service.

Over 100 new vehicles have been purchased for both services, as a result of funding announced by the Health Minister in Autumn 2008.

Speaking as he viewed the new vehicles in Bangor combined ambulance and fire station, Michael McGimpsey said: “In order to deliver prompt, high quality emergency response services, our fire and ambulance services need the most modern and reliable vehicles and equipment.”

Commenting on the new fire service appliances, the Minister said: “Today, following a £26million investment in vehicles and equipment, I welcome the delivery of these 14 brand new, modern fire appliances, which are now located at various locations across Northern Ireland.

“The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service does a tremendous job in responding to a wide range of emergency incidents from fires, road traffic collisions and other specialist rescue calls. It is essential that front line staff and management are provided with the necessary infrastructure to enable them to continue to deliver a quality, efficient and effective service to everyone in Northern Ireland.”

The Minister also announced that, as a result of £17million investment, a total of 26 new A&E ambulances have been purchased, with a further 24 chassis purchased for completion in 2009/10. In addition, 25 patient care services vehicles were replaced in 2008/09 and a further four planned for 2009/10. Finally, 13 rapid response vehicles (RRVs) were purchased in 2008/09 and 14 more will be purchased in 2009/10.

The Minister said: “The health service needs a modern and responsive emergency service. For too many years, the NIAS suffered from a lack of investment. Due to funding which I announced, the ambulance service has invested in new vehicles which will enable frontline ambulance crews to continue to provide a fast and high quality service, in vehicles which are reliable and of the highest standard.”

Tom Wright, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, explained: “The significant investment in these 14 new fire appliances will enhance the capability of fire crews to respond effectively to all types of emergency situations across Northern Ireland, and demonstrates our continuous investment in equipment as part of our ongoing fleet replacement strategy.

“The new appliances are equipped with the most up to date specialist equipment, including foam capability to improve firefighting and the new stowage system maximises the amount of equipment which can be carried to enable firefighters to deal with a range of emergency incidents including fires, road traffic collisions and other specialist rescue situations.”

Liam McIvor, Chief Executive of the Ambulance Service, outlined the importance of these new vehicles for ongoing service delivery.

He said: “We have been highlighting for a number of years now the need for ongoing investment in the ageing ambulance fleet. The Minister has made the funding available in this and previous years and today we can see the real benefits of that investment. We now have a number of new vehicles across the range of our fleet, and are making good progress toward having all our ambulances less than five years old.”

“These vehicles will play a vital role as NIAS aims to continue to deliver the highest levels of pre-hospital care to the population of Northern Ireland. The ongoing modernisation of the ambulance service will be greatly enhanced by having a fleet which itself is the most up to date, thereby increasing reliability and patient confidence.”

Notes to editors:

1. In October 2008, the Minister announced that the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) would receive £26million to invest in new fire appliances, fire fighting equipment and up-to-date IT systems, as well as a programme to replace or modernise many fire stations across Northern Ireland. A total of 14 new fire appliances were bought in 2009/10 at a cost of £2.7million.

2. New Fire Appliances are located at the following Fire Stations – Armagh, Whitla, Antrim, Central, Newtownards, Bangor, Omagh, Springfield, Lisburn, Glengormley, Crescent Link, Dungannon, Lurgan.

3. The Minister announced in October 2008 that new A&E ambulances would be purchased as part of a major £17million capital investment in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS). The new vehicles will be located across Northern Ireland.

4. Over the 10 year period 2008/09-2017/18 the Department has been allocated a total capital envelope of almost £3.3billion, against a bid of £5.8billion. Just over £700million of this is earmarked for the Comprehensive Spending Review period with the balance of just over £2.5billion allocated in the remaining period of the Investment Strategy.

5. All capital expenditure is subject to the normal business case approval process.

6. Media enquiries should be directed to the DHSSPS press office on 028 9052 0579, or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.