Progress In Provision Of Rural Ambulances

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28872, 17 April 1959, Page 3

Progress In Provision Of Rural Ambulances

Considerable progress is being made in the long-term policy for provision of ambulances in rural areas, says Mr J. H. Rhodes, chairman of the Canterbury and West Coast centre of the St. John Ambulance Association, in his report to be presented to the annual meeting on April 28. ‘‘This is most gratifying and will result in the country community getting a faster service and an extensive one,’’ says Mr Rhodes.

Amuri, the most recently established of the country centres is a very good example. A new machine for Rangiora is being built, with a building to house it. Cheviot is working towards the same end.

“When these projects are completed, St. John should have cause to be proud of its service in North Canterbury,” says Mr Rhodes. In his report to the Canterbury sub-centre Mr Rhodes says that ambulance service in the metropolitan area was maintained at the accustomed high standard.

The ambulance fleet is in a satisfactory condition and the outpatient vehicle has proved excellent for its purpose. Two machines are nearing the end of their useful life and replacements, the bodies of which will be built locally on commercial chassis, have been ordered.

A major change of policy was effected in the ambulance field, says Mr Rhodes. Previously no patient was directly approached for financial assistance but under a new arrangement patients are sent a letter inviting such financial support as they are willing or able to provide. The system had been in operation for five months to December, 1958.

“The financial support from users has increased by hundreds of per cent. I am certain that in earlier years when no requests were made, people accepted the service without thinking of the implications on the financial side,” says Mr Rhodes. A table in the report shows that 22 vehicles carried over 17,000 patients for an average distance of 10 miles. This effort was contributed to by 69 voluntary drivers in addition to professional staffs and in nearly every case an attendant from the Brigade was presenti during the journey, says Mr Rhodes.