The aim of using electric bikes is to reduce the strain on GPs and ambulances this winter time
A new scheme is being piloted that will witness 12 London Ambulance paramedics make house calls on electric bikes to assist in administering this season’s flu vaccinations. Further to this, they will also be assessing and treating patients with pre-existing health conditions and those with coronavirus.
This pilot in projected to run for 6 months and is an innovation from Merton Health - a collective of 6 GP practices in the the area. The desire is to see a reduction in ambulances sent out and unnecessary attendance to A&E. “Winter is an extremely busy time for our health service and with the exceptional year we have had, we hope this pilot will help relieve pressure on GP surgeries and ensure ambulances go where they are most needed” commented Khadir Meer, Chief Operating Officer of London Ambulance Service.
The pilot intended to run until April 2021. The hope is that it will continue past this and become permanent and expand across London. Electric bikes for medical staff is not new as Paris have already launched something similar with e bikes specifically customised for medics.