St John responds to Govt ambulance funding

St John media release, 4 June 2009

St John responds to Government ambulance funding announcement

St John acknowledged the announcement today by the Minister of Health, Hon Tony Ryall, that additional Government funding of $48 million over the next four years will be provided to the entire Ambulance sector.

St John Chief Executive Jaimes Wood says: “We see this as a step on the path to more appropriate funding levels for the ambulance sector. We are pleased this initiative has not been relegated in the face of general budget pressures.”

We understand the Government intends the funding to include provision for additional front line ambulance officers for the sector, and clinical training to upskill rural volunteer ambulance officers to Basic Life Support level.

“We have been liaising with the Government and Crown funding agencies for many years, making our case for additional funding for the Ambulance service,” Mr Wood says.

The funding is for specific identified initiatives, all of which were part of the St John recommendations.

“In the current recession, any organisation would obviously welcome any additional funding. We note that the Minister’s announcement does not address core funding. This is not yet finalised and is critical to our delivery of services,” Mr Wood says.

St John will also need to continue to subsidise our Ambulance operations to maintain current service levels. The St John subsidy will be $12 million this financial year. The requirement for St John to raise funds for our ambulance stations, ambulances, other vehicles and equipment will continue.

St John is a charity and we raise these funds by fundraising in partnership with communities, and earning revenue from our health related commercial services including first aid training courses. The St John Appeal this year runs from 21 to 28 June.

“St John provides ambulance services to 85% of the population across 95% of the geography of the country, and already provides a significant leadership role in the sector. This will continue. We are also the lead provider of 111 ambulance communications centres, and are leading the sector in clinical training,” Mr Wood says

Key goals for St John include ensuring the best level of service for patients and communities, and enhancing the health and well-being of all New Zealanders.

ENDS

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