Under the three-year deal with Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, G4S will provide planned and reactive secure transport for patients suffering from mental ill health. The service is likely to deal with an estimated 150 patients each year.

The service, which began in April 13, is based out of St Nicholas Hospital in Gosforth, Newcastle. 

Paul Jennings, Director of G4S Health and Medical Services, said:

“We are delighted to have been appointed to our first contract to provide secure patient transport.  G4S carries out more than 375,000 patient journeys each year and our highly trained and dedicated staff have the skills required to transport these vulnerable people in the very best standards of secure care, focussed on each patient’s needs.” 

G4S provides patient transport services for 4 NHS trusts, including St George’s NHS Trust Tooting London and Epsom and St Helier University Hospital Trusts.  Secure transport services involve an enhanced level of protection for both staff and patients, some of whom may become violent or have a history of violent behaviour.