NZ Air rescue services "fragmented"
Air emergency services fragmented - report
Friday, 18 July 2008
The Government says it is looking at setting up a single funding agency for emergency ambulance services, but says more work is needed before any changes could be made.
The Air Ambulances Reference Group said in a report today that emergency helicopters and other air health services generally work well, but different standards and the multiple roles of aircraft made it difficult to meet the needs of all communities.
The group recommended a cautious approach with the development of a single government funding agency for air ambulances, possibly covering road ambulances as well.
The report, which focuses on emergency helicopters, follows another on road ambulances which said fragmented funding and a lack of money should be addressed by the Government
The earlier report said it was wrong that ambulances were being sent out with just one person on board and the Government should increase funding.
Today's report said the reference group members have "mixed views . . . about the overall clinical quality of the current emergency helicopter services, cost-effectiveness and efficiency".
It said there was a large number of services with different standards, contract requirements, service guidelines and protocols.
The group recommended setting up a "lead crown funder" and a representative sector advisory group to set standards.
Health Minister David Cunliffe and ACC Minister Maryan Street welcomed the report but said more work was needed before any changes were made.
Officials were working on an "overarching strategic direction" for the ambulance sector and the group's work would be included.
This work would be released shortly, the ministers said.
- NZPA
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The author of a report on New Zealand's air ambulance service says there are probably too many rescue helicopters.
The Air Ambulance Reference Group report addresses the future of the service and has been released by the Government.
The group comprises the Ministry of Health, ACC, the Order of St John, rural GPs and the Civil Aviation Authority. It has been tasked with developing a national vision for air ambulance services and reports to the Minister of Health.
The group's chair, Mel Smith, wants a cost-effective air ambulance service and says at present, New Zealand's 41 rescue helicopters are probably more than is needed.
The report's recommendations include a Crown-based funder for rescue helicopter operators and a standardisation of quality controls.
The National Party says any attempt to reduce the number of rescue helicopters will anger the public.
Health spokeperson Tony Ryall says New Zealanders have already demonstrated they will not accept a reduction in the service. He says there is a golden hour in which air ambulance services have to get people to treatment on time.
Meanwhile, air ambulance operators are surprised they have not been informed about the release of the report.
Garden City Helicopters covers much of the South Island's air ambulance services. Its general manager, Simon Duncan, is a member of the Reference Group and says he is surprised that he never saw the final copy of the report and was not informed it was being released.
The general manager of the Taranaki Rescue Trust helicopter, Noel Watson, says though he spent hours contributing, he also has not seen the final report.
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Last edited by Te_Kahu; 18th Jul 2008 at 08:04.
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