Renault has once again proved its mettle as the light commercial vehicle (LCV) of choice for essential services, with EMED – the UK’s leading provider of patient transport – bolstering its fleet with over 250 Renault Master vans. The significant order supports two newly awarded non-emergency patient transport contracts across Sussex, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Frimley.
Formed in 2023, EMED has rapidly grown to become a cornerstone of the NHS’s patient mobility infrastructure. Its latest expansion cements that position, ensuring outpatients who are otherwise unable to travel independently can attend critical hospital appointments. With this addition, Renault vehicles now comprise 48% of EMED’s 1,346-strong fleet.
Chosen for Reliability, Designed for Care
The decision to opt for Renault came after an extensive 18-month procurement process. While several major LCV manufacturers were considered, it was Renault’s proven durability, low running costs and outstanding reliability that ultimately sealed the deal. These new Master vans – expertly converted to EMED’s patient transport specifications – are designed to work hard, covering around 180,000 miles each over their expected seven-year service lives, with potential extensions taking them to a decade of frontline duty.
Group Fleet Manager Jimmy Sommerville said the choice came down to long-term value and proven dependability.
“There are cheaper units, but you get what you pay for, and the Renault is a quality product while still offering a competitive cost. Our previous experience has been very positive, with strong reliability and no downtime – which is critical in this line of work. The crews also like them, and we’re excited to grow the fleet further with the new Master later this year.”
Adapted for Every Need
The majority of the new vans have been converted to meet non-emergency patient transport services (NEPTS) requirements. These include wheelchair access and oxygen supplies, with around half also equipped with stretchers to accommodate a wide variety of patients – from those living with dementia to those requiring frequent dialysis or oncology treatments. In addition, five vehicles have been adapted as High Dependency Unit (HDU) ambulances for more complex inter-hospital transfers of critical patients.
Importantly, EMED chose the Renault Master in part for its weight profile. Even after conversion, the vehicle remains under the 3.5-tonne threshold, enabling more staff members to drive them on standard licences. This ensures operational efficiency, allowing the vehicles to be in use for up to 10 hours per day.
A Partnership That Delivers
Renault’s role in EMED’s expansion highlights the brand’s growing presence in mission-critical sectors. Commenting on the partnership, Justin Costello, Head of Fleet at Renault UK, said:
“It is very rewarding that Renault is enabling EMED to grow exponentially while helping some of the most vulnerable in our communities to reach essential hospital appointments comfortably and safely. The fact that EMED will keep its Masters for up to a decade illustrates just how durable and dependable Renault vehicles are.”
With the addition of these new vans, EMED is not only enhancing access to healthcare for thousands of patients across the South East but also laying the groundwork for further expansion. The company has already confirmed plans to welcome the new-generation Renault Master into its fleet later in 2025 – a sign of enduring confidence in Renault’s ability to deliver where it matters most.
