Paramedics prepare for union meetings as funding crisis looms

The trade union representing New Zealand’s paramedics is warning services could deteriorate if the Government doesn’t step in to cover funding shortfalls at St John Ambulance and Wellington Free Ambulance.

“If the Government doesn’t step in, something has to give. We’re already seeing members who are overworked and earlier in the year twenty people were put out of work in restructure at St John Ambulance,” said Lynette Blacklaws of Ambulance Professionals First, a sector of FIRST Union.

“St John has also lifted ‘part-charges’ for patients. But while charges are increasing figures show that only 70 per cent of invoices for part-charges are paid. This means part-charges can only ever be a band aid solution.”

“The Government must step in to keep services running. New Zealanders need the security of knowing that a paramedic is just a call away,” said Blacklaws.

“Paramedics from St John are attending union meetings over the coming weeks and the funding crisis will be at the top of people’s minds.”

About: FIRST Union represents approximately 1000 ambulance professionals at St John Ambulance.