HAMPSHIRE’S main ambulance service is celebrating a mass expansion after securing new business.

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) has won a tender to provide patient transport for eight clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) across the county.

It means the trust will take sole responsibility for a process previously managed by several companies for individual CCGs.

Around 200 workers will transfer to the trust from the former providers while 140 new vehicles have also been commissioned.

Services to be provided under the five-year contract include taking people to outpatient appointments, taking patients home after they have been discharged from hospital units and bringing people back to the county for treatment if they are registered to a Hampshire GP.

James Underhay, SCAS director of strategy, business development, communications and engagement, said: “As an organisation we have already provided non-emergency transport across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire for more than 40 years.

“I am delighted that the CCGs awarding this contract recognised the excellent quality of patient transport services we provide and we look forward to delivering the same for new local communities and healthcare teams across Hampshire.”

The service will run seven days a week and be supported by a 24-hour contact and booking centre.