HC-One acquires fleet of specialist minibuses

Residential care provider HC-One have unveiled a brand new fleet of 200 mobility minibuses, as the company looks to make a major impact on the lifestyle of older people in care.

The 6.4m investment, made in partnership with Renault and JCT600 Contracts, comes less than a year after the company was formed on 1 November 2011, after owner Chai Patel made the decision to take on more than 200 care homes from the collapsed Southern Cross Healthcare.

The fleet of Renault Master LM35 minibuses have been specially modified to suit individuals with physical frailties and other mobility issues, as HC-One looks to help residents become more active within their communities and enjoy a greater variety of outings.

Managing director Pam Finnis comments: “The arrival of the HC-One minibus fleet is a milestone for the company. HC-One’s aim is to provide the kindest care in the country, and enabling residents to enjoy life in the community around the home is fundamental to achieving this aim.

“It was a lengthy selection process in choosing the minibuses, and we looked at a number of different manufacturers and models. We also viewed a prototype minibus in early July with residents, a Home Manager and Activities Co-ordinators to ensure it met their expectations.

“The minibuses have been specially converted to become wheelchair accessible, with a new floor fitted to each for seat belt fixings, along with a tail lift, side step, blue internal lights for night travel, a skylight hatch and heating. Each minibus, fully fitted costs approximately £30,000.

“As we roll out the minibuses to HC-One homes across the UK, residents will enjoy more exciting outings and lead a fuller life.

“This announcement is being made in addition to ongoing investment in the people that work for us providing the kindest care day in day out. We are doubly delighted to say that we are also bringing forward a companywide pay review, the results of which we will see in the coming months.”