Funds for ambulances
PA Auckland Legislation to give the ambulance service “legal definition and entitlement to funds” has been suggested by the Minister of Health, Dr Bassett, in Auckland. Addressing the annual meeting of the Ambulance Officers’ Institute (Division No. 1) in Auckland, Dr Bassett said there was, effectively, no statutory provision for ambulance services. He said there had been only indirect legislative reference to patient trans-
port in the context of wider hospital board responsibilities. “It may have been sufficient in the past for the ambulance service to humbly get by on the voluntary benevolence of hospital boards but, one day, one senses that it would all come unstuck,” said Dr Bassett. “Clearer legal definition of your place within the health delivery system would seem desirable.” He said that it would be the end of 1985 or into 1986 before the legislation would be introduced.
A discussion document is being prepared for circulation before a bill is drafted. Dr Bassett said he wanted to guarantee the ambulance service “funds rather than grace.” However, he emphasised that there was no money available for increased spending on the service. Officers want to see every ambulance in New Zealand manned by two people — one to drive and the other to take care of patients. Dr Bassett thought there would be some increase of personnel.
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Press, 28 August 1984, Page 34
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222Funds for ambulances Press, 28 August 1984, Page 34
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