Europe Puts Its Hospitals on Rails

This month, Italy introduced a new tool in its fight against coronavirus and other health crises: a hospital train. Capable of treating and transporting as many as 21 critically ill patients, the newly equipped train is currently located at Milan’s Greco Pirelli railway station, in Italy’s worst hit region, Lombardy. With pressure on regular hospitals reduced since Italian cases of Covid-19 peaked between late March and early April, the train is not due to be deployed immediately. It could, however, be used to relieve any regions hit hard in a second wave. It is one of several converted trains in western Europe since the beginning of the pandemic – with one mobile clinic already being credited for saving lives.

In April, Spain’s national carrier Renfe retrofitted three high-speed 730 Series trains for medical use. Capable of speeds of up to 160 miles per hour, the trains were nonetheless chosen for reasons other than their speed. The model’s doors open at the same level as the platform, making them easier to access with trolleys and stretchers, while their hybrid electric and diesel fuel system means they can be used on any part of Spain’s rail network. Kept on standby to transfer patients to an emergency hospital in Madrid from hard-hit regions with limited beds, the trains have not yet been needed in a country whose health system has struggled during the pandemic, but not failed. The video below shows a simulation of one of the trains in use.