An official partnership agreement between O&H Vehicle Technology and Cardiff-based Excelerate Technology, will launch the UK’s first fully integrated smart ambulance into the NHS in 2020.
Pre-empting NHS Improvement specifications, the vehicle will leverage specialist mobile communications technology, utilising 5G, ESN-ready, optimised 4G and the next generation satellite technology and services (LEO). It is a move which will see the firms design a mobile patient care ecosystem, providing ubiquitous connectivity to support the seamless integration of technology, applications and devices, with no loss of connection for first-responders.
Both Excelerate and O&H provide innovative services to support world-class ambulance operations. Both organisations are providing key support to the Health Living Lab programme as part of a consortium led by NHS Arden and GEM CSU and Satellite Applications Catapult. The Health Living Lab will provide a test bed and showcase for the smart, connected ambulances where all technologies, applications and devices are seamlessly integrated to support new, redesigned and re-imagined care pathways.
Oliver North, CEO of Ventari Group, O&H Vehicle Technology’s parent company, said’, “I’ve worked with Excelerate over many years and I consider the company world-class at what they do. With our aligned passion for innovation, quality and British manufacturing, the decision to work together on the next phase of connected emergency vehicle technology was a natural one.
“As our first ‘smart’ concept ambulance has now become a reality, following intense development by Excelerate and O&H Vehicle Technology, we have decided to make our partnership exclusive in the UK ambulance sector.
“Our technological offering will be completely unrivalled in the UK ambulance field, whilst maintaining conformity to the NHSI national specification.”