For Immediate Release
The following is distributed by Island Information Service at the request of the Department of Health and Wellness and Health PEI.
Government investment to improve ambulance service across PEI
Charlottetown, PE, April 14, 2011 — Capital investment in the provincial ambulance system will enhance the quality and access to emergency care for Islanders through the purchase of new fleet vehicles and expanded ambulance coverage in rural Prince Edward Island announced Minister of Health and Wellness Carolyn Bertram.
“As Islanders’ health care needs continue to evolve, it is important that we continue to invest in all areas of our provincial health care system including emergency response care and coverage provided by our ambulance system,” said Minister Bertram. “Our Government is pleased to provide additional funding of $300,000 this year to purchase 3 new replacement ambulances and expand coverage in Kings County and West Prince. We appreciate the role government plays in our health care system and we remain deeply committed to working with partners, such as Island EMS, to continue to improve the quality of health care services across the province.”
On PEI, emergency response times are monitored by Health PEI and Island EMS. As response times trend higher, recommendations are made to government to increase service levels. In 2010, Island EMS fleet of ambulances travelled 1.5 million kilometres – 600,000 kilometres more than originally anticipated. The additional mileage impacts the lifespan of each ambulance, requiring the company to replace vehicles more frequently. Island EMS has a currently fleet of 18 vehicles – 16 single patient ambulances, one multi-patient ambulance and one support vehicle. Every year, the company replaces two of its ambulances with new models. In 2011, 5 new replacement ambulances will be introduced – 3 purchased by government and 2 purchased by Island EMS.
“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.”
“Patient safety and the provision of quality health care in a timely manner remains our priority,” said Keith Dewar, CEO of Health PEI. “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 Islander requiring emergency ambulance services.”
Currently, ambulance coverage in Kings County includes three ambulances, one based in Souris and two in the Montague area, each providing round the clock dedicated service seven days per week. Island EMS is expanding coverage in the area by 60 hours per week with the addition one ambulance scheduled to provide 12-hour day service five days per week.
West Prince has dedicated ambulance service based out of Alberton and O’Leary, each with one ambulance providing 24-hour coverage seven days per week and one ambulance providing 9-hour day coverage five days per week. Expanded ambulance services will see an increase of 42 hours per week in the region with the 9-hour day services increasing to 12-hour day services and the addition of one ambulance, to be based out of Alberton, which will provide 12-hour day coverage on Saturdays.
Island EMS operates six ambulance bases – Souris, Montague, Charlottetown, Summerside, O’Leary and Alberton – with additional posting sites strategically located across the province.
Media Contact:
Amanda Hamel
Communications Officer
Health PEI
(902) 894-2534