Wellington Free Ambulance Welcomes Funding Boost

Media release from Wellington Free Ambulance

Yesterday’s announcement of a $47 million funding boost for ambulance services is a welcome development for the sector.

Wellington Free Ambulance chief executive John Britton said he was delighted by the additional funding.

Health Minister David Cunliffe said the funding was expected to go towards reducing patient charges and addressing single-crewing.

“Wellington Free Ambulance has never charged medical emergency patients, but this has only been possible thanks to the efforts of our staff and the extraordinary support of the people in the Wellington region,” Mr Britton said.

“We agree that reducing or eliminating patient charges in other parts of New Zealand makes good sense.”

He said double-crewing ambulances is another important step that will contribute to quality patient care, particularly in metropolitan areas.

“This news delights us and shows government has been listening to the Health Select Committee and our own submissions. Our own attempts to achieve double-crewing, and remain free-to-the-patient, have been costly and additional support from government will be most welcome.”

Mr Britton said he was hopeful the upcoming ambulance strategy consultation would help clarify how the above matters would be dealt with, along with other patient service issues.

ENDS

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