NHS Supply Chain is taking delivery of 120 DAF trucks as part of a programme to replace its entire fleet.
The new vehicles include 49 LF 14-tonne rigids, 50 CF 18-tonners, 16 CF 400 drawbar units, and five CF 460 FTG six by two tractors.
It is also taking deliver of 19 new trailers from Gray & Adams including three double-deckers.
Tim Slater, CEO at NHS Supply Chain, said: “NHS Supply Chain is an essential part of everyday life for the NHS, providing over 300,000 products to 1,000 different customers. Our investment in the new vehicle fleet reinforces our commitment to deliver a great service with vastly increased safety and environmental credentials.”
The new equipment is being introduced over the next few months across NHS Supply Chain’s seven UK locations.
NHS Supply Chain, is operated by DHL and managed by the NHS Business Services Authority. It is working with the NHSBSA, to deliver £300m of the opportunities for procurement efficiency savings highlighted in Lord Carter’s interim report: “Review of operational efficiency in NHS providers”.
Gordon Wall, head of supplier operations at the NHSBSA said, “This significant investment provides the NHS with a fleet of modern delivery vehicles with numerous environmental, safety and logistical benefits. These will have a considerable impact on continuing efforts to improve customer support and service efficiency”.
All chassis are being supplied through DAF dealer, Ford & Slater in Leicester. The vehicles will all enter service on a DAF MultiSupport Compliance contract, covering vehicle servicing, tacho-calibration, MOT inspection / certification and legal inspections. DHL will manage the day-to-day operation of the fleet through its Central Maintenance Control facility in Manchester.
