The UK’s leading provider of patient transport services, EMED, has added more than 250 Renault Master vans to its fleet as it begins new contracts across Sussex, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Frimley. The additions mean Renault now accounts for 48% of the firm’s 1,346-strong fleet.
Formed in 2023, EMED is using the new vans to support two significant 10-year contracts delivering non-emergency patient transport services (NEPTS) and high dependency unit (HDU) journeys. The specially converted vans will provide mobility support to patients otherwise unable to reach vital hospital appointments.
The company undertook an 18-month evaluation process before opting to expand its Renault fleet, citing strong reliability, competitive pricing, and the ability to remain under the 3.5-tonne weight threshold for broad driver eligibility.
Jimmy Sommerville, group fleet manager at EMED, said: “There are cheaper units, but you get what you pay for, and the Renault is a quality product while still offering a competitive cost. It is more important that we have something which lasts, and our experience of our previous Renault LCVs has been very positive, with good reliability and no downtime. The crews also like them, and later this year we will be looking to further extend the fleet with the addition of the new Master.”
The vans are expected to operate for at least 7 years—potentially up to 10—and cover around 180,000 miles each. Around half are fitted with stretchers, while all carry oxygen and wheelchairs. Five vehicles have been configured as HDU units for critical patient transfers.
Justin Costello, head of fleet at Renault UK, added: “It is very rewarding that Renault is enabling EMED to grow exponentially while helping some of the most vulnerable in our communities to reach essential hospital appointments comfortably and safely. The fact that EMED will keep its Masters for up to a decade illustrates just how durable and dependable Renault vehicles are.”
