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We are the only emergency ambulance service in greater Wellington and the Wairarapa, and the only ones in the country who are free.
We are the only emergency ambulance service in greater Wellington and the Wairarapa, and the only ones in the country who are free.
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Wellington Free welcomes Coalition Governments funding boost
Wellington Free welcomes Coalition Governments funding boost
21 May 2019
Wellington Free Ambulance are welcoming the additional contribution made by the Government, following today’s announcement on ambulance sector funding.
The additional funding of $850,000 to Wellington Free, as a non-recurring uplift over the next two financial years, will relieve some of the investment made in new technologies and the growth in paramedics to meet increasing changes in demographics and demand.
The contribution will support the service over the next two years as the Ministry of Health and ACC consider Wellington Free’s joint funding bid with St John for a fully funded ambulance service.
Today’s announcement acknowledges that the current funding arrangements for the ambulance service are no longer fit for purpose and will see Wellington Free, St John and the officials continue to work together to develop a long-term funding solution.
Mike Grant, Wellington Free Ambulance Chief Executive says, “We are extremely grateful for the additional funding that allows us to build a more viable service in response to the changing demographics, demands and complexities of our community.
“We wish to acknowledge the Coalition Government and the positive steps they are taking to consider our full funding bid as we move towards a more sustainable and realistic future for the ambulance service.”