The first Euro 5 Volvo truck to be registered in the UK has entered service with Northern Ireland cancer charity Action Cancer.

The high specification FH-400 4x2 Globetrotter XL-cabbed tractor is being used to transport a £1.5 million state-of-the-art mobile screening unit, known as the ‘Big Bus’, which will bring cancer detection, support and treatment services to ten thousand people a year in the province and is the first of its kind in Europe.

The FH’s spec includes the provision of two extra seats in the cab for nursing staff that travel with the ‘Big Bus’, a conversion carried out by Volvo at their factory in Sweden. Other features include Volvo’s automated I-Shift gearbox, ‘Prestige’ leather trim, a 25-litre fridge in the cab and polished alloy wheels. 

Supplied by local Volvo Dealer Dennison Commercials, the tractor unit and its high-tech trailer, were presented to the media at a glittering launch by television presenter Gloria Hunniford, whose daughter Caron Keating died from breast cancer two years ago.

Services provided on the ‘Big Bus’ include digital breast screening, health promotion and men''s health checks. A new support scheme called the Listening Ear Service and complementary therapies will be offered to cancer patients, their carers and families onboard the unit, which is fully accessible for people with disabilities by means of a wheelchair lift.

The latest satellite technology has been utilised on the ‘Big Bus’ to allow for the high-speed transfer of digital breast screening (mammography) images to Action Cancer''s head office from any location in Northern Ireland. Specialist Action Cancer staff can receive and read the high resolution pictures at the push of a button.

Speaking at the launch Action Cancer Chief Executive Robin McRoberts said; "We are very excited to unveil the ‘Big Bus’ to the public and our health service partners and to get it on the road. We believe it will make a dramatic impact on the provision of improved cancer services in Northern Ireland, ahead of many other countries. The new mobile service will enable Action Cancer to provide a comprehensive, effective and accessible regional service. It also offers cancer services for males and females of all ages right on their doorstep."