FREE AMBULANCE PROPOSAL UNDER SOCIAL SECURITY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22916, 7 April 1949, Page 4

FREE AMBULANCE PROPOSAL UNDER SOCIAL SECURITY

(P.A.)

AUCKLAND, April 7.

A proposal to inaugurate a free ambulance service ps an additional benefit under the Social Security Act is under consideration by the Government. Draft regulations have been forwarded to the St. John Ambulance Association by the Government and an early announcement is expected. The suggestion is that the St. John Ambulance should continue to operate its service in Auckland and also in other centres where it now functions and that it. should provide its service free to all patients. In return the Government would grant a subsidy of up to 80 per cent, of the expenses, leaving 20 per cent, or more to be found by the organisation.

No comment was available last night from Mr. F. N. Ambler, the chairman of the Auckland centre of the St. John Ambulance Association. He said the matter was confidential. The association in Auckland has among its assets two buildings, both in the city. It also has 17 ambulances. It make no charge for its services, but solicits contributions to its funds from patients who can afford to make them. It also makes an annual appeal to the public for financial support and has in the past been given ambulances and other donations by a number of publicspirited citizens and organisations.