Whakatāne’s non-emergency patient transfer service has received a major upgrade thanks to the donation of a new ambulance by Trinity Lands.

St John officially took possession of the keys on Friday during a ceremony held at the ambulance station on Arawa Road.

The patient transfer service (PTS) sees St John contracted by Health NZ Te Whatu Ora to transport patients who require the use of a stretcher between hospitals, within the community and can be privately hired for transport upon discharge from hospital.

Notably, the service has been used recently at Whakatāne Hospital to provide coverage 24 hours a day to maternity patients requiring specialist care that cannot be provided locally.

Often the PTS ambulances are single-crewed, with a medical officer travelling in the back of the ambulance with the patient.

The PTS ambulance differs from an emergency ambulance, carrying different medical supplies and two stretchers to increase its patient capacity.

Technical improvements in the new ambulance including the likes of powered lift stretchers, designed to reduce strain and potential injuries for ambulance staff.

St John general manager of ambulance operations Debra Larsen said the vehicle would make an “enormous” difference in the lives of people in the Whakatāne community.

“We are incredibly grateful to Trinity Lands for their generous donation of this vehicle which will strengthen our ability to serve our community and ensure greater links and efficiency for healthcare.

“This ambulance is not just a vehicle for us; it’s a symbol of collaboration, care and commitment to the health and wellbeing of the people in Whakatāne and Aotearoa.”

She said last year alone, PTS drove 81,500 patients across the country, with about 2000 of those from Whakatāne and surrounding areas.

“This donation by Trinity Lands is generous and an invaluable contribution that will allow us to continue to provide exceptional services to our community.”

Trinity Lands is a company farming dairy and kiwifruit, founded in Christian philosophies and with a purpose of giving back to the communities in which it operates.

Two employees of Trinity Lands’ kiwifruit orchard in Te Teko were present on Friday.

Trinity Lands has a charitable arm through which it supports St John and several other community-based organisations.

General manager corporate responsibility and compliance Brett Fleming said Trinity Lands and St John shared a purpose to serve.

“Trinity Lands chooses to sponsor ambulances because they service members of the community in their greatest time of need.”

He handed the keys to the ambulance to long-time St John member Lyn Price, who said the vehicle would be used to extend her organisation’s work.

“It is increasingly important to have this type of vehicle on hand.”