May 27, 1996
(Health)

Minister Comments on Road Ambulance Program

Government is putting more money into the road ambulance program this year than ever before said Health Minister Lloyd Matthews today. "The fact is, government has consistently placed additional resources into the road ambulance program year after year. In 1993/94, government spent $4.7 million on the program. In 1996/97, we have allocated $5.8 million. That is an increase of over $1 million in funding over the past few years," said the minister.

"I want to make it very clear that the introduction of a flat patient fee of $75 is not indicative of a reduction in terms of funding to ambulance operators," added Mr. Matthews. "The fact is we have allocated an additional $200,000 for the ambulance program over last year." As well, the new patient fee allows private ambulance operators to collect an estimated half a million dollars annually in revenues in addition to the $5.8 million government provides for the ambulance program.

The introduction of a flat fee is applied to all users of ambulance services whether they reside in rural or urban settings.

Mr. Matthews said government is committed to enhancing the road ambulance program through training programs and standards for operators.

Contact: Jill Sooley, Department of Health (709) 729-1377.