A private ambulance company in Northern Ireland has been snapped up by a business over the border.
Proparamedics, NI’s first private ambulance firm, has been acquired by Medicall Ambulance based in Co Offaly.
The Belfast firm was set up by paramedic John Cunningham in 1999, and has been led by his sister, Heather Hamill-Vaughan, since 2010. Mr Cunningham died in 2017.
Its takeover by Medicall has created the biggest private ambulance provider in Ireland, with 12 bases and 320 medical and support staff.
It also has a 70-strong fleet of vehicles, including 60 ambulances.
Both firms will still operate under their existing names as part of MCL Group, led by Medicall managing director Jay Gibson.
Ms Hamill-Vaughan remains in the business in the new role of director of service delivery in Northern Ireland.
Founded in 1993 by Paul M ffrench-O’Carroll, Medicall is the main provider of specialist ambulance services to public and private sector organisations in Ireland.
Jay Gibson, managing director of Medicall and originally from Londonderry, said the deal marked a return to his NI roots.
He said: “Over the years, Medicall and Proparamedics have worked side by side on several projects, and during this time, it was evident that both companies had many shared values.
“As we looked to fulfil our ambition of becoming the leading private ambulance provider across the island of Ireland, it was clear that the skills and expertise offered by the wider Proparamedics team were pivotal in achieving this goal.
“By combining our considerable resources and breadth of expertise, we can now confidently deliver an unrivalled service to our public and private sector clients, regardless of the size of their requirements.”
Ms Hamill-Vaughan said the sale was a milestone for Proparamedics after 25 years in family ownership.
“I’m exceptionally proud of our team, and of the difference that we make to thousands of patients every single year.
“Since my brother John founded the business with one ambulance back in 1999, our team has grown to 130 dedicated healthcare professionals, and by joining Medicall, I’m confident that we will be an important part of an exceptional service that prioritises its people and patients across Ireland.
“With the pressures on budgets building year-on-year, the delivery of healthcare is fundamentally changing.
“A more blended approach and innovative solutions will be critical as we look to the future, and by combining our resources, we will be well-placed to deliver an ever-greater level of care and service for patients when they need us most.”
Paul M. ffrench-O’Carroll, MCL Group chairman, added: “Leading the way in private ambulance services and training has been my focus for Medicall for over 30 years, and today, it’s without question that we have the resources, expertise and capacity to deliver unparalleled services to patients across the island of Ireland.
“The difference and impact that we can make by delivering a seamless service across the country will be hugely beneficial to our health service and private clients.
“Through our expanded team’s competence, compassion, and expertise, we will continue to deliver best-in-class ambulance services and training for all and achieving my ambition of offering ‘a career in Medicall.”