AMBULANCE ACT CHANGES STRENGTHEN REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY

The provincial government is introducing more consistent accountability and reporting requirements for ambulance providers across the province.

The Ambulance Amendment Act, 2004 repeals redundant and obsolete sections of The Ambulance Act, which was passed into law 1986. Today's changes align new reporting requirements under The Regional Health Services Act.

"Our commitment, as set out in The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care, is to ensure the public has a modern and quality-focused ambulance service in Saskatchewan," Health Minister John Nilson said. "Contracted ambulance operators will now be designated as health care organizations (HCOs) and will follow the same reporting and accountability requirements as other HCOs."

Currently, some health regions provide ambulance service while others have contracted ambulance providers. These different arrangements can result in variation in reporting and accountability requirements between regions.

"Ambulance service is an integral part of our health care system," Nilson said. "These changes mean the public can expect the same level of accountability from ambulance providers as any other part of the system. Accountability is key to achieving quality and long-term sustainability in health care."

The Ambulance Amendment Act, 2004 also removes outdated references from the current legislation, such as those that deal with ambulance districts or ambulance boards, which no longer exist.

The Action Plan recommendations on emergency services that have already been introduced include a more co-ordinated dispatch service, increased training for emergency medical responders, and purchase of a new air ambulance.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083