Meridian Patient Transport System

Private ambulance service wins new contracts whilst driving down costs

Patient First approached 3tc Software, one of the UK's leading providers in Patient Transport Systems to address their needs and move the business to a strong position within the patient transport market. Patient First is an independent company providing safe, comfortable and efficient transfer of patients between destinations and a reliable, cost effective service to hospitals, clinics and day centres.

'Meridian is an Integral part of our business, we could not function properly without it'

– Mike Skeel, General Manager, Patient First Group

'Meridian has proved to be a tremendous asset to Patient First. Not only does it streamline our operations but is also a very effective marketing tool. It makes the solution cost effective and is user friendly. The support and user training backup from 3tc Software is outstanding. The future of patient transport is our vision and by working with 3tc Software we can take the service into the next generation’

– Wayne Spedding, CEO Patient First Group

Now making over 300, 000 journeys per year and managing a fleet of around 80 specialist vehicles, currently with over 120 dedicated staff they have achieved considerable organic growth year on year. Their need to achieve efficiencies throughout the business led them to source a Patient Transport System that would meet their demanding requirements, take their business forward and form part of their core business infrastructure.

3tc Software objective was to ensure their Meridian software application and associated hardware was implemented and deployed into Patient First's business infrastructure with minimum disruption to their business process, to enable Patient First to focus on the operational requirements in delivering their Patient Transport Service to Shropshire Hospitals following their contract award.

It was clear from the outset that this project was to be the start of a long term business relationship rather than a one off supply contract. Deciding factors in choosing 3tc Software were how easy they would be to work with throughout the project from implementation, deployment and training.

3tc Software'Meridian' Patient Transport System is a solution that provides an organisation with a reliable, innovative and integrated solution that drawing upon 20 years plus design team experience in patient transport provision within the UK NHS ambulance services, private ambulance services, community and council transport schemes.

Benefits

Meridian, now part of Patient First's core business model delivers an efficient cost effective application providing numerous benefits to Patient First including:








Meridian has a graphical user interface which can be interfaced with hospital PAS/HIS systems and mobile data hand held PDA's. The solution was both easy to integrate into the business and simple for staff to use.

By utilising the on-the-day workload management tools, which allows for the tasking of resources by pagers, fax or email and AVLS/tracking, the daily management of patient transport became more effective. The day control system allows real time journey planning, which in turn facilitates accurate pick up and journey times ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively.

The automated billing from Meridian also brought operational benefits and has enabled Patient First to operate service level agreements for its clients that are easily achievable.