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Ambulance union: Public needs reassurances services are well funded

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 9 Dec 2019, 11:29AM
St John ambulance officers are requesting more money. (Photo / File)

Ambulance union: Public needs reassurances services are well funded

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 9 Dec 2019, 11:29AM

The Ambulance Association boss says it's time for the Government to walk the walk on funding increases.

St John's calling on the Government for more funding, saying it can't survive otherwise.

It's looking at cutbacks, including slower responses to non-urgent calls, reduced staff numbers, a reduction in training, and fewer people answering emergency calls.

Ambulance Association chief executive Mark Quinn told Kate Hawkesby paramedics are having to provide extra services, like rural support on weekends when all other medical services are closed.

"Certainly from a union point of view, the accountability and responsibility now is immense."

He says that the Government needs to act, not just for the ambulance officers.

"The public needs to know there are assurances out there that we can keep providing those services and be well funded."

 

 

 

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