Guy announces extra funding for paramedic pilot
Otaki MP Hon Nathan Guy yesterday (8 July) announced $400,000 of new funding for the 'Urgent Community Care' pilot, that is up and running in the Kapiti community.
The pilot with Wellington Free Ambulance (WFA) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) allows paramedics to treat sick and injured patients in their home. This reduces ambulance trips to Wellington and the pressure on local doctors.
Mr Guy says "the programme is really proving its worth. It has been operating for about two months and has received 170 calls with many of those
111 emergency calls able to be treated closer to home".
"This programme is needed as we have the largest population from a major hospital and the highest percentage of over 65 year olds per population in New Zealand".
The National Government has committed an extra $200,000 per year for the next two years to cover after hours call outs. This service will move to a
24 hours, 7 days a week service for the Kapiti community later this year.
"Many involved in the Ambulance sector are watching this pilot very closely as it's a first in New Zealand and could lead to significant changes how ambulances operate".
(LtoR) Dr Chris Lane from EMS, Barbara Judge who is a patient recently treated under the pilot and Jenny Quin a paramedic from WFA and Hon Nathan Guy, MP for Otaki pictured at the Paraparaumu Library following the announcement.