The subsidiary of a hazardous waste courier service will begin its contract to transport non-emergency patients today (May 1) after a month delay.
ERS Medical was originally due to take charge from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust on April 1 but objections have allegedly stalled the process.
ERS Medical managing director Brendan Fatchett said: "We have been working with Mid Essex CCG to provide additional support during the transitional period before we take over the Patient Transport Service contract on May 1.
"We've provided vehicles and crews most days during April to help assist with this period to ensure patient care is not compromised."
ERS Medical has provided services to the NHS nationwide for 13 years but the EEAST has provided the East of England service single-handedly for the last eight years.
"We're excited about providing this new and improved service for the local community and will be using new technology, a fleet of all new vehicles and the highest standards of staff training to ensure we deliver outstanding levels of patient care," added Mr Fatchett.
"We have been meeting with the local community through focus groups and open days at the hospital to share with stakeholders and patients that ERS Medical is passionate about providing the best possible patient care throughout the lifetime of the contract."
EEAST head of non-emergency patient transport Gary Morgan has said it is unfortunate the private firm was chosen by commissioners back in January, after the contract was put out to tender in August, 2013.
Mr Morgan told the Chronicle earlier this year: "Unfortunately we were not successful and are working with staff to ensure they are supported through the transition to the new provider."
Also speaking to the Chronicle in January, Unison regional organiser Tim Roberts said: "Our members (NHS staff) are very worried about this. They think it's fundamentally wrong that a contract will go to a profit-making private company." Are you an ambulance worker or patient who has been affected by the new contract? Call reporter Peter Walker on 01245 602718
