Julie Bettney, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, announced today that government will call tenders to contract to the private sector the complete air ambulance transportation service.

"We will continue to ensure that a quality service is delivered to all areas of the province, and we expect that over the longer term the province will gain greater efficiencies from contracting out the service," said the minister. The tender package will focus on the technical and service level standards to be defined by the Department of Health and health corporations across the province. Emphasis will be on meeting the medevac needs of all Newfoundland and Labrador communities.

The current service comprises the government operated King Air aircraft based in St. John's, the Turbo Commander aircraft operated by the Grenfell Regional Health Service in St. Anthony and the privately owned Twin Otter aircraft operated under contract to the Labrador Regional Health Service based in Goose Bay. These services are supplemented by other fixed wing aircraft and helicopters under standing offer agreements. The minister noted that, as the Goose Bay service is already provided by a private company under contract, today's announcement relates to the remaining components of the province-wide service.

The process of calling tenders and assessing bids is expected to take about four months. Until that process is completed, no changes will be made to the existing service.

Contact: Minister's Office, (709) 729-3678.

1996 11 01   2:20 p.m.