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In a March 11, 2010 press release, BC Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon, announced that ambulance services in the province will be more closely integrated with the health-care system in the future. His decision comes after a month-long consultation on options for new service delivery models identified by Industrial Inquiry Commissioner Chris Trumpy in his report of January 10, 2010.
Mr. Falcon focused on 3 of several recommendations made by Mr. Trumpy and has decided that more closely integrating ambulance services with the health-care system was the most logical and appropriate way to enhance patient care, while, at the same time, renewing the service, which was badly in need of restructuring.
“Over the past year, front-line paramedics made it abundantly clear the current system is broken and fundamental change is necessary to improve emergency services across the province, particularly in rural and remote areas,” Falcon said. “By aligning BCAS more closely with our health system, we can explore innovative ways to enhance the role paramedics play in serving the needs of patients.”
Oversight for the Emergency Health Services Commission and BCAS will be transferred to the Provincial Health Services Authority.
“While the path we’ve chosen will ensure integration with the health sector – it will leave the door open for closer alignment with other emergency service providers and private delivery models where it makes sense in individual communities,” said Falcon. “We understand a ‘one size fits all’ approach may not serve the needs of patients in every community, and want the flexibility to explore innovative options for service delivery within a provincially co-ordinated framework.”
Mr. Falcon is optimistic that fixing the model of service delivery will be an important first step to resolving serious issues in recent labour disputes, including heavy reliance on overtime in the Lower Mainland and the need to improve service delivery and employment conditions, particularly for part-time paramedics and those in rural and remote communities. He says that closer integration with the health system will allow everyone to be creative in finding solutions in individual communities.
Minister of Labour, Murray Coell will now begin investigating the bargaining unit implications of this decision by consulting directly with paramedics and other stake holders, completing this process by March 31, 2010.
