Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Air ambulance changes put patients first

Air ambulance changes put patients first

Health Minister Dr David Clark says an agreement in principle for air ambulance services in the Northern Region is a major step towards a better, safer service nationwide.

The Ministry of Health and ACC are in the final stages of agreeing a three-year contract with an agency combining the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and the Northland Emergency Services Trust. Both trusts already provide services in the area.

“Air ambulances are a critical life-saving service and one that requires sustained investment. In Budget 2018 we put in an extra $82.9 million (over four years) to strengthen our air ambulance service.

“Today’s agreement in principle is part of a ten year programme lead by clinicians that will modernise our aging air ambulance fleet, increase crew numbers and reduce call out times.

“Nationally, the new contracts will mean more permanent staff on base and include an emphasis on ensuring crew and clinical staff are closer at hand to reduce call out time. We want to get expert medical assistance to people in need as fast as we can.

“This is about putting the needs of patients first and reflects the Government’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of kiwi families,” David Clark says.

The new northern region service is expected to begin later this year or early next year. Current contracts will be rolled over until the new contract formally begins.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

The service will continue to use existing bases in Auckland and Whangerei as well as maintain the existing air ambulance service provided in Whitianga.

“The northern region already has the most modern fleet in the country, and uses twin-engined helicopters. Over time we want to see the entire country covered by twin-engined machines which allow more space for treatment of patients during transit.

“Upgrading aircraft and systems will mean services are more effective and efficient. And most importantly of all they will produce better and more consistent clinical outcomes.

“Our current air ambulance services have done a great job over the years. Today’s announcement is about ensuring they are even better in future,” says David Clark.


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.