Ambulance aids terminal patients

The ambulance has been designed to promote relaxation

A special ambulance to take terminally ill people home to die has started operating in Tayside.

The dedicated vehicle has been fitted with equipment such as a reclining chair, pressure-relieving mattress and space for a companion.

It is aimed at taking patients to their preferred place of care as they approach the end of their life.

It has been funded by Marie Curie Cancer Care as part of a national scheme of palliative care services.

The vehicle, which costs £100,000 per year to run, is also fitted with specialist medical equipment. It will be operated by two trained ambulance care assistants.

An ambulance trip, particularly for patients in their last few days of life, can be very traumatic Ian Golding Scottish Ambulance Service

The Scottish Ambulance Service is operating the new vehicle in Tayside as a two-year pilot scheme.

The organisation's head of patient transport services said most people with terminal illnesses would choose to be cared for in their own home.

Ian Golding said: "The new ambulance means that we can fulfil their wishes more effectively and ensure that more of them get to spend their final days where they really want to be.

"An ambulance trip, particularly for patients in their last few days of life, can be very traumatic.

"We have designed this ambulance in a way which promotes relaxation and enables the patient to take a companion with them."

The new ambulance has been welcomed by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon.