DUNTON, Essex, 7 February, 2022. The NHS in Essex has teamed up with Ford and local community health leaders to identify and assess the effects of ‘long COVID’ by offering a mobile clinic specialising in spirometry testing using the Ford Transit Van.
Spirometry is a diagnostic test for lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory diseases. Patients breathe into the device which measures their lung capacity.
The Transit will house the equipment, allowing NHS clinicians and health workers to offer a ‘one-stop-shop-service’ to assist residents in the county that may have mobility issues, language barriers or live in more rural areas of the town.
This comes just months after the pilot launch of the Ford Transit Vax Van, which helped the NHS administer vaccines to minority groups and rural communities. It incentivised hundreds of people to take up first-time vaccinations. With feedback from patients praising the “easy” and “convenient” service.
Dr Sharon Hadley, Clinical Lead at Mid and South Essex Partnership said: “Building on the success of the Essex Vax Van, we are launching a similar outreach model to help reach under-served groups to make sure they get the right care for breathlessness linked to long COVD.
Many people are reporting ongoing breathing difficulties. With a decline in spirometry testing during the pandemic, the diagnosis of conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is estimated to have fallen by half in the past year*, tens of thousands of people across the country could be living with the serious condition without knowing.
In the same way that COVID-19 posed a greater threat to certain communities, we need to get out and find those most at risk and make sure people have the knowledge, care and treatment they need to avoid serious life limiting illness.”
Lisa Brankin, Managing Director at Ford of Britain and Ireland said: “Ford are delighted to support this outreach programme using our new Transit van, which enables the NHS in Essex to directly target the communities that need it most.
Working with the NHS to bolster outreach and uptake of such an important test, has been an incredible way to continue the momentum of the ‘Vax Van’. This spirometry testing van, further anchors Ford as a leading organisation, with a ‘people-first’ approach in everything we do.
I am sure that this Transit will continue to increase access for more people around the county.”
The bespoke vehicle is based on a Ford Transit, the UK’s most popular commercial vehicle for 56 years was crowned #1 best-selling vehicle in 2021 and has now been converted by West Yorkshire-based specialist vehicle builders, Venari Group to support the NHS. As well as spirometry testing equipment, the Ford Transit’s specification also includes medical grade refrigeration with WIFI monitoring capability, vaccine transport coolers, a collapsible chair for administering vaccines as well as an integrated tablet for accessing and updating health and vaccination records.
The Ford and NHS Essex Transit will take to the roads from early February. The programme will continue to run as a pilot, with scope to increase the number of vehicles and explore further outreach models in the future.
Notes for Editors:
* https://statistics.blf.org.uk/copd
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles: Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles. The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 183,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Britain has been number one commercial vehicle brand for 55 years, and is rolling out an electrified range so that, by 2026, 100% of our cars will be zero-emissions capable, all-electric or plug-in hybrid. The UK is Ford’s third-largest global market and accounts for around 30% of total Ford vehicle sales in Europe. Ford directly employs around 6,500 people in the U.K., with thousands more employed in its extensive dealer network. The Ford Britain Dunton Campus in Essex is the home of its European commercial vehicle business group, the Ford of Britain national sales company, Ford’s banking arm – Ford Credit Europe – and powertrain engineering. Ford’s manufacturing operations are a UK export success story with around 85% of engines and all transmissions exported to more than 15 countries on six continents. The value of these exports, including machined engine components, is around £2.5 billion annually.
About Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership
We all have a part to play in leading a healthier life and keeping well for longer. Supporting our population to do this is at the heart of why the organisations responsible for providing health and care services in mid and south Essex have teamed up. Our goal is to meet the increasing needs of our communities whilst ensuring our services provide the best possible care in the right place when you need it. Working together our Partnership can make bigger investments, promote more innovation and achieve greater improvements in health and wellbeing than each of our member organisations would be able to achieve separately. Find out more about our work at www.msehealthandcarepartnership.co.uk
