MCP Medical

Background and Founding

MCP Medical, based in Newtownards and operating out of Strangford Park, is a social enterprise that has rapidly become a cornerstone in the provision of medical response services for events across Northern Ireland. Founded by Michael Penney and Glen Robertson, both experienced medics, MCP Medical has swiftly garnered a reputation for excellence and community dedication.

Michael Penney, with two decades of experience as a paramedic in the ambulance service, has always been driven by a deep-seated desire to help others. Inspired by a poignant scene in the movie ‘Backdraft,’ Michael pursued his passion for emergency medical care from a young age, completing various first aid, training, and teaching qualifications. His extensive experience includes working with fast response cars and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).

Glen Robertson’s journey into the world of paramedicine began remarkably early. Volunteering with St John’s Ambulance as a cadet at just ten years old, Glen developed a profound expertise in first aid, honed further through competitions throughout the UK and Ireland.  His extensive experience in event first aid made him an invaluable partner for Michael.

The two met at a motorsport event in March 2022 and quickly discovered a shared vision for improving medical response services. This mutual passion led to the founding of MCP Medical, initially focusing on providing first response vehicles under the name 955 Safety. The overwhelming demand for their services soon necessitated the acquisition of an ambulance, marking the official inception of MCP Medical in July 2023.

Service Offerings and Growth

MCP Medical’s portfolio is impressive, initially catering to motorsport events such as Drifting events, Stormont classic car shows, Air Ambulance events, and Supercar Sunday. Their reputation for excellence has enabled them to expand into other areas, including karate board events, training Pure Gym staff, boxing associations, and the covering the upcoming Belfast Airport 5K Run. 

The core of MCP Medical’s success lies in their unwavering commitment to high standards and their dedication to helping people. Both Michael and Glen, alongside their team, maintain these values in every aspect of their work. Their team, described as a family, operates under minimal stress, united by a shared purpose.

Professionalism and courtesy are at the forefront of MCP Medical’s operations. They provide comprehensive training for their staff and students, both on-site at client locations and at their Strangford Park unit. This training ensures that their team is always prepared to deliver top-tier medical care.

MCP Medical is also one of the private ambulance services that bolster the front-line emergency services. They currently provide services to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Health and Social Care Trusts across the country.

Innovation and Community Engagement

A testament to their innovative spirit and community focus is the acquisition of Northern Ireland’s first emergency response motorbike, the MCP Medical Community Response Unit. This ambulance-spec BMW R1200 RT-P, funded entirely by community donations, is equipped with essential medical equipment such as 12-lead cardiac monitors, airway management tools and bleeding control supplies. The motorbike will be available to emergency services and community events as a free service, continuing to operate through donations.

The community’s response to the fundraising efforts was overwhelmingly positive, enabling MCP Medical to secure the necessary funds in just 6-8 weeks. Michael Penney, exemplifying the ethos of the enterprise, will volunteer his time to respond to emergencies on this motorbike, further underscoring their commitment to service.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on their journey, Glen Robertson expresses excitement about MCP Medical’s rapid growth and future prospects. Michael Penney echoes this sentiment, emphasising that his passion for the work makes every day fulfilling and enjoyable.

As MCP Medical continues to expand and innovate, their dedication to providing high-quality medical response services and their strong community ties will undoubtedly propel them to even greater heights. Their story is a compelling example of how expertise, passion, and community support can converge to create a truly impactful social enterprise.