Major ambulance acquisition brings change to Devon patient transport

A healthcare transport company has acquired a Devon-based ambulance provider as part of a move to expand patient transport services in the South West.

Health Transportation Group UK (HTGUK) has confirmed it has taken over First Care Ambulance (FCA), which provides non-emergency patient transport services across Devon.

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First Care Ambulance operates the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) contract for Devon Integrated Care Board. 

The company also provides neonatal transport services for University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and a coroners’ retrieval service for Plymouth and Torbay councils.

As part of the acquisition, 176 staff and 76 vehicles will transfer to HTGUK. 

The existing management team at First Care Ambulance will continue to run services for current customers.

HTGUK chief executive Neil Berry said the decision was based on shared values and experience in patient care.

“First Care Ambulance has an outstanding track record and shares an ethos and set of values that align closely with HTGUK,” he said. “We are delighted to welcome FCA into the group.”

HTGUK already holds the non-emergency patient transport contract for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

The company said the move would bring Devon and Cornwall services closer together.

Ed Clements, HTGUK’s chief commercial officer, said:

“The addition of the Devon NEPTS contract through the FCA acquisition brings these services closer together and enables the delivery of a stronger, more resilient service for patients across the region.”

He added that the acquisition follows the merger of the Devon and Cornwall Integrated Care Boards.

“With the merger of Devon and Cornwall ICBs, the acquisition of FCA will also support the strategic objectives of the newly formed ICB to better integrate regional services,” he said.

HTGUK said there would be no immediate change to services for patients using non-emergency transport in Devon.