(September 26, 2011) BEACONSFIELD, UK — Three Toyota iQ3 compact hatchbacks, boldly emblazoned with the red DOCTORnow logo, are becoming a familiar sight in Beaconsfield (northwest of London) and surrounding areas.

“Patients often wave when they see the cars driving past,” says Lynne Smith, Practice Manager of the Buckinghamshire private GP service.

“The design is eye-catching, but it’s surprising how many people have noticed and commented favorably on our change of vehicles. They are an effective marketing tool."

DOCTORnow previously answered calls and made scheduled visits using a pool of Smart Cars, but the severity of recent winters persuaded it that front-wheel drive vehicles able to cope with all road conditions would be more practical. The Smart is rear-wheel drive car.

“Our VIP24 service provides 24-hour cover, so the doctor on duty could be called out at any time of the day or night,” Smith said. “Front-wheel drive makes mobility that much less of a challenge!”

Dr Richard Angwin and
Dr Sarah Marshall from DOCTORnow

“Besides which, we offer a leading-edge service and wanted to keep our image fresh and up to date.”

“The iQs are stylish little cars, and more refined than our previous ones,” Smith said. “They’re small enough to be nimble and maneuverable, but being roomier with back seats as well as a boot makes it easier if the doctors or nurses need to carry anything with them.”

In the U.S., the iQ comes under the Scion brand.

The cars also provide ample headroom, she says — even for a tall doctor like Chief Medical Officer Dr Brian McGirr, the GP who started DOCTORnow eight years ago.

Dr Richard Angwin became Dr McGirr’s business partner in 2006 and the business continues to grow, with a total of 11 clinical staff and therapists, backed up by an administration team, now operating from a listed barn conversion in Beaconsfield Old Town.

“None of us had owned Toyotas before, though a couple of the doctors had thought that iQs looked stylish and a little bit funky,” says Smith. “The staff were excited about getting the cars, and now they’re very happy driving them.”