The Hertfordshire-based out-of-hours GP service has been given a helping hand from the manufacturer with the loan of a SKODA Yeti 4×4 vehicle to use during the busy festive period.

During last winter’s severe weather HUC services came under increased pressure as GPs battled the elements to visit patients in hard-to-reach areas. With forecasters predicting another cold snap is on the way, SKODA has loaned HUC an additional vehicle to help strengthen its existing 10-strong Yeti fleet.

HUC provides out-of-hours GP cover across Hertfordshire, responding to calls from the public and conducting home visits. The vehicles used by the service must be safe and reliable in all weathers, enabling doctors to respond at a moment’s notice.

Rachel Fox, executive chairman of HUC, commented: 'Despite having good road links in Hertfordshire, its rural nature means that some parts can rapidly become inaccessible in bad weather. We’d like to thank ŠKODA for its kind loan of an additional vehicle. It will be a big help in ensuring we can continue to provide an out-of-hours service to the public in difficult circumstances this winter.'

The SKODA Yeti strikes the perfect balance between on-road performance, family-oriented practicality and rugged 4×4 styling. It’s available with a choice of two or four-wheel drive and diesel and petrol engines. SKODA’s acclaimed Varioflex rear seating system and generous boot space means the Yeti is perfect for life in urban or rural areas.

Martin Burke, head of Fleet at SKODA UK comments: 'We’re delighted to be able to help HUC and hope an additional Yeti will enable the team to keep up its fantastic service. The Yeti is safe, extremely reliable and extremely capable of tackling the demanding winter weather conditions.'