Consultations Begin for Provincial Ambulance Program Review

The review of the Provincial Ambulance Program is moving forward with the start of the targeted consultation process. The Provincial Government has engaged the Fitch-Helleur partnership to carry out the review and conduct a series of consultations with provincial stakeholders, as well as provide an opportunity for the public to offer comments.

“This consultation process will allow stakeholders and the public to provide input and ideas about what could and should change to support a more effective and efficient ambulance program,” said Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “Our government acknowledges that access to quality ambulance services is of particular importance in rural and remote areas of the province. I encourage Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to participate in this consultation process so we can have a meaningful dialogue about the provincial ambulance program and how it can best serve the needs of the people of our province.”

Consultations will be carried out with provincial stakeholders including officials with the Department of Health and Community Services, Government Air Services, regional health authorities, Service NL, Occupational Health and Safety, ambulance operators, paramedics and fixed and rotary wing aircraft providers. Targeted consultation sessions will begin January 14, 2013 and are by invitation only. The general public will have an opportunity to participate in the process by sending comments via email or to the mailing address below.

The review will look at the three ambulance programs utilized in the province – road ambulances and fixed wing and rotary air ambulance services. This review will include an analysis of best practices and standards in other jurisdictions; review and recommendations for the road ambulance program’s operational delivery model; identification and recommendations regarding staffing, technology and information systems; and, analysis of the integration of the existing fixed and rotary wing ambulance programs with the road ambulance program to more effectively and efficiently transfer patients around the province.

“The review is being conducted to determine the best way existing services should be utilized throughout the province,” said Minister Sullivan. “As stewards of the public purse, it is our government’s responsibility to maximize every dollar we spend. We know there are efficiencies to be found within the Provincial Ambulance Program and this review will ensure patients receive the best possible care as effectively and efficiently as possible.”

The Provincial Government recently awarded a contract valued at $250,000 to the Fitch-Helleur partnership to carry out the review. The Fitch-Helleur partnership is made up of Fitch and Associates from Plattsville, Missouri, USA, and Jane Helleur and Associates a management consulting firm based in St. John’s. Fitch and Associates is considered by many emergency management officials to be the leading ambulance and emergency services consulting firm in North America with 25 years experience and expertise in all areas of the review. The company has worked in most Canadian provinces and is currently completing a similar operational review in Manitoba.

Members of the public who wish to provide comments can visit www.gov.nl.ca/health or send comments, including a geographic location, to:

Newfoundland and Labrador Ambulance Program Review
c/o Jane Helleur and Associates Inc.
P.O. Box 21041
St. John’s, NL
A1A 5B2

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Media contact:
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 699-6524
JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca 

2012 12 28                                 12:05 p.m.