The Provincial Government has reached the next phase in the integration of ambulance services throughout the province as Medavie Health NL Inc. has been identified as the selected proponent to design, manage and operate a single, integrated road and air ambulance service in the province. Medavie Health NL Inc. will be partnering with PAL and Air Borealis to deliver the integrated fixed and rotary wing air ambulance service.
An integrated ambulance service was a foundational recommendation of Health Accord NL. The integration will lead to improvements in the health care system for medical staff and patients, such as ensuring shorter wait times, more training for staff, and better allocation of resources.
Contract negotiations are underway and NL Health Services anticipates negotiations to be finalized in the coming months.
As part of the new contract, Medavie Health NL Inc. will be required to:
- Provide clinical and operational management staff.
- Manage the dispatch of all emergency calls, routine medical transfers, and non-medical transfers throughout a single, integrated road and air ambulance system.
- Support existing operations through the period of establishing a fully contracted air ambulance service.
- Manage the road ambulance base infrastructure and determine the optimal positioning and deployment of road ambulances.
- Implement a 10-year plan to upskill and transition the paramedicine workforce to a minimum of primary care paramedic certification, allowing emergency medical responders to become a part of the public service, including non-medical transports.
- Work with the Provincial Government and NL Health Services to implement a long-term plan for developing a province-wide helicopter emergency medical service.
On June 1, NL Health Services became responsible for operating and managing all former ambulance services across Newfoundland and Labrador and close to 500 private sector ambulance staff. As part of the new agreement, air ambulance bases will be located in St. John’s, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Gander.
More details on this RFP and other open calls for bids issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.
Quotes
“We’re happy to reach this next stage of procurement. An integrated ambulance system will lead to a more efficient air and road ambulance service in our province. We look forward to seeing NL Health Services award this contract so that we will see improvements implemented over the coming months and years.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services
“NL Health Services is pleased to advance the next phase of the contract to design, manage and operate an integrated road and air ambulance service. The integration of provincial ambulance services provides an historic opportunity to transform the system and enhance services for people throughout the province. Thank you to our interim management team and our paramedic staff who continue to provide quality care every day in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Cassie Chisholm
Vice President – Transformation (Health Systems), NL Health Services
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