Norfolk Community Health & Care NHS Trust (NCH&C) provides healthcare services to almost 90,000 patients via 70 locations across Norfolk.

The challenge

In 2017, the Trust partnered with a large vehicle rental company to provide a fleet of pool cars for patient visits. Several challenges ensued including low vehicle usage, high costs and issues with identifying cause of damage for insurance claims.

NCH&C needed an alternative solution that would reduce spend, encourage staff to make full use of the vehicles available, and offer full transparency for cost control and damage reporting.

Our approach

Knowles Fleet teamed up with technology provider Hiyacar to introduce a fully managed pool car solution for Trust employees.

Our multi funder price comparison model, industry purchasing power and ability to secure maximum public sector discounts with best terms, ensured all vehicles were supplied at the lowest cost.

Each of the pool cars were fitted with Hiyacar’s tech solution which includes an online booking platform accessible via a simple to use app, keyless vehicle access and a comprehensive management information system.

The results

Lowest vehicle prices, improved efficiency and better cost control saved the Trust more than £100,000 across the first year, while pool car use increased by 60%.

Improved utilisation was supported by an auto-cancellation feature for any vehicles not collected within a set window of the booking start, allowing cars to be re-booked.

Bespoke groups were created within the booking platform enabling Trust employees to better share pool cars within their teams, while transparent reporting allows administrators to track vehicle use and identify opportunities for improvement.

To address the issue of vehicle damage, Hiyacar implemented an inspection process at the start and end of each booking to identify issues and ensure the accurate, timely processing of insurance claims.