Consultation Sought On Draft Ambulance Strategy

17 October 2008

Consultation Sought On Draft Ambulance Strategy

Consultation is now being sought on the Government’s draft New Zealand Ambulance Strategy.

Developed with the assistance of ACC, the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ambulance New Zealand, the draft strategy sets out a new vision for the future of New Zealand’s ambulance sector.

The vision is based on the health and ambulance sectors working more closely together, at both a strategic level and on the ground, to deliver the highest possible standard of health and emergency care.

The draft strategy also recognises key challenges currently faced by the ambulance sector, including crewing levels, response times and training standards for paramedics, and proposes various initiatives to address these.

The findings of the Health Select Committee Review of Ambulance Services were consistent with, and supported, the preliminary work on the draft strategy.

In line with the new direction proposed in the draft strategy, a new National Ambulance Sector Office (NASO) has also been created.

A joint venture between ACC and MoH, NASO embodies the proactive role the Government wishes to take in helping the ambulance sector establish a new direction, and will:
• represent the Government in planning and discussions involving the ambulance sector;
• coordinate sector engagement with the Government; and
• act as a single point of contact through which the sector can engage with ACC and MoH on matters relating to funding and provider contracts.

NASO is managing the consultation on the draft strategy, and invites anyone interested in the future shape of New Zealand’s ambulance sector to provide their feedback by making a formal submission.

Details on how to do this – along with more information about the draft strategy – are available on the NASO website at: www.naso.govt.nz

The closing date for submissions is 12 December 2008.

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