4 February 2008

Major investment in transport services

Over £400,000 worth of vehicles are due for delivery to the Southern Health and Social Care Trust over the next few weeks.

Miceal Crilly, Assistant Director of Physical and Sensory Disability Services who has responsibility for the transport fleet, says that the Trust is committed to providing safe services for service users.

“The Trust has bought six 17-seater Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses with every seat having a safety belt and a head rest for added protection, a tail lift which gives level access, and an entertainment system. Getting to and from day centres and various activities is very important and these vehicles mean that clients can continue to travel in comfort.

“Four vans and a lorry will also be delivered to various facilities in Banbridge, Newry and Craigavon. We’ve also bought two chassis for building 24-seater buses with tail lifts which will become operational in 2008.”

Trust Chief Executive Colm Donaghy adds, “This is a major investment in terms of the fleet and complements the 170 vehicle that we have across the area. I hope that service users and staff will enjoy the vehicles for years to come.”