[Report 1971] / School Medical Officer of Health, Exeter.

  • Exeter (England). City Council.
Date:
1971
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1971] / School Medical Officer of Health, Exeter. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    99/114 (page 95)
    Authority was given to purchase two multi-purpose ambulances, together with a limousine-type ambulance for long- distance work. The design of the new vehicle is such that expansion can take place within the existing fleet of 11 ambulances and one limousine-type ambulance. A full report on the Ambulance Fleet is due to be presented to Committee next year, and a comprehensive fleet replacement programme is being considered. Ambulance Journeys Compared with 1970 there was a total increase of 3,360 patients carried and 16,483 miles run. 907 patients were carried in Exeter as a result of accidents and 295 accident patients were carried for Devon. These include road, industrial and accidents at home which constitutes the majority of accident cases. The greatest increase in work has been in the hospital section with 3,312 additional patients and 17,542 extra miles; this group includes admissions, discharges and out-patients. Infectious disease work continues to diminish, there being 22 patients less in the Exeter area but 5 more from Devon. 204 more patients were carried for Devon County Council for which we make a charge. Hospital Car Service Devon County Council act as agents for this Authority and carry most of the patients who are unable to walk. Rail Journeys There was a decrease of 54 patients conveyed by rail and it is still our intention to reduce medical tiansport by rail as much as possible. The cost of lail journey is extremely high, as are charges made by other Local Authorities meeting trains and most of the work previously done by rail will be done with the limousine-type Ambulance. Air Transport There was no call for this type of transport during 1971. Conclusion The morale of the staff at Gladstone Road is high, and because of this we have been able to achieve high standards and have reduced waiting times at out-patient Clinics.