Wgtn Free Ambulance Heralds Funding And Stratergy

Media Release

Wellington Free Ambulance Heralds Funding And Strategy

Additional funding for frontline paramedics announced today by the Health Minister has delighted Wellington Free Ambulance.

Health Minister Tony Ryall said today the Government would pump an extra $28 million into the ambulance sector, targeted at putting more paramedics on the ground.

In the Wellington Region an additional 10 paramedics, out of 100 across the country, will be recruited for their Emergency Ambulance Service thanks to the budget boost.

Wellington Free Ambulance chief executive Alan O’Beirne said he was extremely pleased with the increase.

“This really is fantastic news, it shows the Government has been listening to the ambulance sector and we welcome this level of support. Wellington Free Ambulance has never charged its patients and this funding will also help us to continue to provide free-to-the-patient emergency care.”

He said Wellington Free Ambulance was committed to working with the Government, and the National Ambulance Sector Office, to chart a new way forward as outlined in the National Ambulance Strategy launched today.

The strategy deals with the ambulance industry’s bug-bears of funding and staffing and also mentions the opportunity presented in increasing collaboration within the health sector, Mr O’Beirne said.

“The strategy’s objectives are clear, well-defined and right on the money,” he said.

“The ambulance sector needs a sustainable funding model in order to build a service that is resilient and delivers the community what they need.”

The call for strong leadership was merited, the Wellington Free Ambulance chief executive said.

“And we absolutely want to be part of the leadership team.”

The ambulance sector will also continue working towards national clinical standards for paramedics, as has been identified in the new National Ambulance Strategy.

“We are delighted to see the strategy focus on bringing all paramedics up to a basic standard. Although already achieved, and indeed exceeded, in the Wellington area it is absolutely right that the minister is targeting money to raise the standard elsewhere.”

Wellington Free Ambulance provides clinical care in emergencies, pre-hospital care and transport services. It is a free-to-the-patient service.

The service operates a fleet of 22 modern vehicles out of eight bases, employing 120 fulltime staff, including 90 paramedics, and is assisted by 40 volunteer ambulance officers.

Wellington Free Ambulance’s area covers from just north of Waikanae, across the Rimutaka Hill down to Cook Strait.

The ambulance provider assists more than 45,000 people a year.

ENDS

© Scoop Media