Case Study

Cornwall 111 (Kernow Health) required a fleet of new urgent response doctors cars, to respond to out-of-hours emergency calls.

At the time when we were approached, the current NHS Trust Cornwall fleet’s storage only comprised of transparent plastic storage boxes to organise pharmaceutical products. There was no fixed storage solution in place, so the aim for this project was to improve security and storage.

Cornwall 111 provided our Design team with the dimensions of first-aid bags, gas cannisters, and defibrillator units used by their staff, as well as the volumes of pharmaceutical products that were required to be held as stock. This allowed our team to take the required measurements and produce a suitable storage configuration, optimising use of space within the Skoda Octavia Scout 4×4 Estate.

Qi’s initial designs utilised a fixed solution, however we suggested that the customer consider incorporating our Plastic Toolboxes within their Conversion, as this would provide flexible storage for their GP’s which could be used both in and out of the vehicle.

Following discussions from the initial designs, the final iteration of the specification included 3 plastic toolboxes which could be fixed within the vehicle but also removed for ease of use when visiting patients; a lockable unit for storing sensitive products, providing a higher level of security than previously available; brackets for O2 Gas Cannisters, which ensured the cannisters would be safe in transit but could also be quickly and easily accessible either via the boot or from rear seats; top trays on the toolbox and locker units, allowing a counter surface for prescriptions to safely be sorted.

Of the 3 plastic toolboxes provided, Cornwall 111 were able to fit all of the kit previously carried within just two boxes. This left a third toolbox free, allowing them to increase the volume of kit they can carry safely within the vehicle.

The overall storage solution provided the customer a much more organised workspace, increasing storage capacity within the vehicle, but also providing higher levels of safety and security, with pharmaceuticals products no longer openly visible in the rear of the vehicle, and the option to lock away specific sensitive items.

Our conversion also encompassed electrical elements, including an LED light bar with illuminated ‘Doctor’ signage fitted centrally to roof bars, a reading light, lighting to the boot with an isolated switch, and USB ports in the cab.

It was agreed that a ‘collect and drop-off’ process would take place when delivering vehicles into us each week. An initial Prototype build was carried out and signed-off by NHS Cornwall, and we then continued to convert 2 vehicles per week as per their vehicle availability. The Graphics department fitted livery to the vehicles, and our Internal Account Managers liaised with G Force Communications for tracker fitment to take place weekly during build, so that a 1-week turn around period could be met.

After starting the Prototype build, we completed all 10 vehicles in line with Cornwall 111’s vehicle availability.

“We came to Qi with a potentially difficult set of circumstances; we knew that a fleet of new urgent response doctors cars were required, but we were unsure of how they would be configured and what was needed to get the fleet on the road.

Qi and Lex assisted every step of the way with the vehicle and conversion specs, providing advice and responses to questions in a timely manner.

The Designer, was patient with our changing requests and comments on the design, but in the end, we received a high quality, bespoke product which enables us to urgently respond to patients in Cornwall who need the out of hours doctors service.

The car specification is of the best quality, the fittings are robust and fit for purpose. We are very thankful for the patience, advice and high-quality end product from Qi.”

Mark Woolcock,
Consultant Paramedic
NHS Cornwall

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