A FLEET of 15 new patient transport ambulances are being leased by Torbay Hospital at a cost of £165,000.

They include one specially equipped for obese people.

All 15 vehicles have winches, larger stretchers and special slides to help staff lift heavy patients.

The cost of the vehicles works out at just over £11,000 per year per vehicle.

A spokesman for South Devon Healthcare Trust, which runs the hospital, said: "This upgrade to our fleet of patient transport vehicles was part of our normal cycle of renewing these leases.

"It is vital our vehicles are in good condition both mechanically and in terms of equipment to ensure patients can be transported safely and comfortably."

The low fuel consumption Renault Masters vehicles can accommodate up to two wheelchairs, four seated patients and a stretcher.

South Devon Healthcare provides patient transport for patients considered medically unfit to travel by public or private transport.

Patients also have access to the paid-for hospital car service, which is 'for patients who are unable to use public transport and do not have access to private transport but are able to get in and out of a saloon car with the assistance of only one person'.

Trust transport services manager Mike Andrews said: "Our fleet of patient transport vehicles are at the cutting edge of design.

"Working in conjunction with Wilker UK, we have managed to ensure our vehicles have the safety and comfort of both our patients and staff at the forefront."