The business provides Bristol ambulance services and specialist patient transport to the NHS and other healthcare operators across the UK
Bristol Ambulance EMS in St Philips, Bristol(Image: Google Maps)
A Bristol-based ambulance provider utilised by the NHS has been saved from administration, rescuing hundreds of jobs and vital services.
BAEMS (trading as Bristol Ambulance EMS) entered administration last week following significant legal challenges earlier in May, reports Business Live.
The private firm supplies emergency ambulances and specialist drivers to the NHS and other healthcare operators throughout the UK.
It also delivers non-emergency patient transport alongside a variety of paediatric, neonatal and adult intensive care transfers, while providing paramedic crews to the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
However, earlier this month, HMRC submitted a petition seeking the company’s liquidation Bristol Live revealed, and Nick Harris and Lucinda Coleman of PKF Francis Clark were appointed as joint administrators.
On Friday (May 22), the administrators finalised the sale of the business and its assets to EMED Group – a national provider of specialist transport and care services,
It is understood the handover of operations was “carefully planned” to ensure continuity of transport and specialist ambulance services for patients, NHS partners and healthcare organisations throughout Bristol and the South West.
Approximately 315 employees and 120 ambulances and operational services spanning seven depots will move to EMED Group under the terms of the agreement.
Mr Harris, a partner within PKF Francis Clark’s restructuring division, explained: “BAEMS provides important ambulance and patient transport services across the South West and continuity of those services has been a key priority while we have been working with the company over recent weeks to explore all options to secure its future.
“Following a complex and fast-moving sale process, involving negotiations with several interested parties, we are pleased to have completed a sale of the business to EMED Group, protecting the jobs of all employees.
“This outcome supports continuity for patients, NHS partners and operational teams whilst enabling services to continue under EMED Group.”
Business Live learnt that EMED Group intends to collaborate with local operational teams, NHS partners and staff during the forthcoming weeks to maintain services, uphold patient care standards and commence a gradual integration of systems and administrative operations.
Craig Smith, group chief executive at EMED Group, said: “Our immediate priority is supporting patients, Bristol Ambulance colleagues and NHS partners through this transition and ensuring services continue to operate safely and effectively.
“Over the last 15 years Bristol Ambulance has built a great operation, with outstanding CQC reports, and provides critical services across the region that enable access to healthcare in a wide range of settings. We are pleased to welcome colleagues into our family.” Rob Johnson, chief executive at Bristol Ambulance EMS, stated that the company’s primary focus throughout the process had been “protecting continuity of service for patients” while also providing support to staff.
“EMED have demonstrated a clear commitment to maintaining services, supporting teams and working closely with NHS partners during the transition period,” he said.
“I would also like to thank colleagues across Bristol Ambulance EMS for their professionalism, resilience and continued dedication to patient care throughout what has understandably been a challenging period.”
It is understood that administrators worked alongside commissioners and partners of BAEMS to ensure a smooth handover of all contracts operated by the business.
They received assistance from Paul Evans of PME Consulting; Andrew Knox, restructuring and insolvency partner at Stephens Scown; and valuation agents Simon Bamford and Josh Chivers of Gordon Brothers.
The administrators confirmed they would “undertake their statutory duties” as the administration process moves forward, which includes examining BAEMS’s financial position and the circumstances that led to the winding-up petition brought by HMRC, with findings to be reported back to creditors.
Creditors are invited to direct any immediate enquiries to Dan Ott at PKF Francis Clark’s Bristol office on dan.ott@pkf-francisclark.co.uk.