Telent completes first ambulance communication systems upgrades for the Ambulance Radio Programme

Telent in a collaboration with Terrafix has completed the installation of next-gen Mobile Data equipment for the first test ambulances in the North East Ambulance Service and Yorkshire Ambulance Service as part of a nationwide project to replace existing mobile communication systems with new digital services for every ambulance and rapid response vehicle in England.

Announced in April, the major contract – managed by the Ambulance Radio Programme (ARP) on behalf of the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) – will upgrade mobile communications devices for all 11 NHS Ambulance Trusts across England. This involves the installation and maintenance of advanced radio and data equipment in more than an estimated 6,500 ambulances.

The North East Ambulance Service and Yorkshire Ambulance Service are two pilot trusts to benefit from the major communications upgrades. Supported by emergency service vehicle expertise from Telent, the upgrade will improve communications for frontline ambulance workers during emergencies.

Senior representatives from the 11 Ambulance Trusts in England plus Wales were brought up to speed on the progress of the project at an ARP-hosted forum, held at the Ardencote Hotel in Warwick on November 16 and 17. Supported by Telent, the forum discussed the procurement and logistics of the roll-out and demonstrated the ARP Mobile Data & Vehicle Solution (MDVS).

The MDVS was showcased at the forum, with Telent supplying its own ambulance fully equipped with the solution for demonstration and test purposes. The Trusts’ senior representatives also took part in Q and A sessions as part of the event.