New investments in the provincial ambulance system will enhance the quality and access to emergency care for Islanders, through expanded ambulance coverage in rural Prince Edward Island and the new replacement ambulance fleet vehicles, says Health and Wellness Minister Carolyn Bertram.
“When Islanders are faced with an emergency situation, we want to ensure that there are the necessary resources available to assist them in their time of need,” said Minister Bertram. “Government has committed to enhancing ambulance services for Islanders - we have already eliminated emergency ambulance fees for seniors and out-of-province emergency ambulance fees for Islanders who are transported out of the province; added a multi-patient transfer unit to the Island fleet; expanded coverage in Central Queens, West Prince, East Prince, Kings County and today we are pleased to announced further expanded services in Kings County and West Prince areas.”
Budget 2011 provides $300,000 to expand ambulance coverage in West Prince and Kings County. In Kings County, the ambulance fleet will increase to four vehicles and an additional 60 hours per week in services will be added. In West Prince, the fleet of four vehicles will increase their services with an additional 42 hours per week in the region. This expanded coverage will enhance the quality and response times to ambulance services in these regions.
In addition, the government is pleased to announce that five new replacement fleet vehicles have arrived in the province. These five new ambulances were costs shared between the government and Island EMS; with the province providing $310,000 and Island EMS providing $200,000. These five new ambulances will replace the older fleet vehicles with the highest mileage.
“Patient safety and the provision of quality health care in a timely manner remains our priority,” said Minister Bertram. “It’s important that we work together as an integrated health care system to monitor and respond to those areas of growing demand, such as Kings County and West Prince, and ensure health care providers are using the best equipment possible to care for Islanders. The infusion of new ambulances along with increased coverage in rural areas will assist in improving response times for Islanders requiring emergency ambulance services.”
“Island EMS is extremely pleased with the implementation of the five new ambulances. These vehicles will provide a reliable, efficient and safe working environment for the paramedics, patients and public we serve,” said Matt Crossman, General Manager of Island EMS. “Island EMS is always looking for ways to improve the levels of service we provide, and we believe these new vehicles will allow us to provide more efficient and safer health care as we expand coverage.”
Island EMS operates six ambulance bases – Souris, Montague, Charlottetown, Summerside, O’Leary and Alberton – with additional posting sites strategically located across the province, including New Glasgow Prince Edward Island.