Patient transport isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s about making every journey as safe, comfortable, and efficient as possible. As part of our ongoing work to improve standards, we recently carried out a thematic review of wheelchair use across our services. Given that the majority of our patients rely on wheelchairs – since transport eligibility is largely based on mobility – ensuring they are used correctly is essential.
Why This Review Matters
Wheelchairs are an essential part of patient transport, but if not used correctly, they can present risks to both patients and staff. Our review explored how we secure and manoeuvre wheelchairs during journeys, the training and guidance provided to our teams, and any opportunities to enhance patient safety and comfort.
One key finding was the importance of using a dedicated ambulance wheelchair rather than hospital porter chairs – EMED crews are not permitted to use porter wheelchairs outdoors, on hospital property. Each of our ambulances is equipped with a wheelchair that is suitable for patient transport. Unlike porter chairs, which are intended for short-distance movement inside hospital grounds only, our wheelchairs meet the necessary standard to be used outside hospital premises.
What We’ve Learned
Through this review, we’ve reinforced the importance of:
• Proper wheelchair securing – Ensuring all wheelchairs have anchor points, are correctly positioned, clamped and restrained with a seatbelt during transit.
• Using the right equipment – Ambulance crews must always use the designated ambulance wheelchair rather than hospital porter chairs, ensuring patient safety and stability.
• Staff training and awareness – Providing our teams with the skills and knowledge to support patients safely and confidently
• Patient comfort and dignity – Making sure every journey is not just safe but also comfortable and respectful.
Moving Forward
Insights from this review are shaping our ongoing improvements, from enhanced training modules to clearer safety guidelines. By continually refining the way we use wheelchairs in patient transport, we’re not just meeting standards – we’re raising them.
We will provide updates as we continue our focus on wheelchair safety and best practice.
News of the Thematic Review of wheelchairs was first published in our Organisation Wide Learning Newsletter, issue 2, published in January 2025. Read the full newsletter here.
