A community nursing team in North Yorkshire has received a new 4×4 vehicle for visiting patients in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust bought the vehicle after its community nurses in Leyburn reported difficulties visiting some homes, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
The vehicle will be available to nurses in Leyburn and the surrounding areas, which are located between the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors national parks.
This area includes homes based at the end of poorly maintained roads and on the top of steep hillsides, which become particularly hard to reach when there is snow, heavy rain or storms.
Maria Hubbuck, from the Leyburn community nursing team, said: “This vehicle will allow us to reach patients we previously struggled to access during severe weather; and those patients who live in our most rural areas.
“As winter progresses, the team is looking forward to putting the vehicle to the test in snowy conditions, confident that it will prove invaluable in delivering care to those most in need.”
A spokesperson for South Tees Hospitals added: “With a spacious boot to carry essential medical equipment and the ability to navigate farm tracks and off-road terrain, the 4×4 will allow the team to reach those who may otherwise struggle to access healthcare.”
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