Our local NHS Trust which are Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust have commissioned this 3,500 Kg Mobile Research Unit (MRU) from us with funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) The unit will support a wide range of research studies and strengthen collaboration across primary, community and secondary care, helping to create a more flexible and inclusive model of research delivery. It will also complement the Trust’s new Clinical Research Facility, further expanding opportunities for patients to access innovative treatments, technologies and clinical studies closer to home. The vehicle is based on a Fiat low height platform cab, giving one of the lowest floor heights available for easy access into the unit. The external colour scheme consists of vibrant colours and the SFHT research team logo and it was fully wrapped over the cab and body.
Externally there is a wind-out awning with Storm bars attached back to the body and two doors with aluminium punched steps and polished stainless steel handrails. Each door has a window with integral blinds and also an external LED light above it. The body is 4.7 metres long with two consulting rooms, with the front one able to double as a waiting room. This room has a straight bench which can also become an examination couch so can either be seating or a couch with raising head section. This bench contains the battery and inverter system which powers the unit, being linked to both solar panels on the roof and also to an alternator driven charger. The waiting area has a full height cupboard, a smaller desk cupboard and a 43″ LED screen.
Within the main clinic are two cupboards at low level, one containing the water and air heater which is powered from the vehicle fuel tank and battery system and sink, water containers and pump. The other has a medical grade refrigerator for samples, and a centrifuge fitted to the countertop. One double upper cupboard is situated above the centrifuge. The examination couch can perform numerous tasks from phlebotomy to general examination, it has 10 degree feet up and head down function as well as phlebotomy arm holders. Opening rooflights in both rooms, examination stool, folding chairs, folding table, fire extinguishers, intruder alarm, reversing camera and panel lighting throughout finish the unit off.
For more information on research at Sherwood Forest Hospitals please go to https://www.sfh-tr.nhs.uk/services/research-and-innovation/
