The Government has announced a significant investment of over $21 million into St John, aimed at boosting the country’s emergency services. Associate Minister of Health Casey Costello emphasised the importance of this funding in maintaining critical health services during challenging times.
“St John provides an essential service by ensuring people receive timely treatment in an emergency. This is a significant uplift in a constrained financial environment,” says Ms Costello.
In total, Health New Zealand and ACC will allocate nearly $357 million in funding for St John for the 2024/25 financial year. This funding will support the operation of emergency road ambulance services and the associated communication systems that are crucial for timely healthcare delivery.
“This investment will ensure the ongoing delivery of the St John’s emergency road ambulance service. We know that adequate funding of our road ambulance services is essential to ensuring New Zealanders have access to emergency health care,” says Minister for ACC Matt Doocey.
Additionally, the Government highlighted the successful conclusion of union negotiations with St John, which will help to maintain stability within the service.
“I am also pleased to see that negotiations with St John’s unions have been settled,” Ms Costello added.
The confirmation that no further industrial action will impact road ambulance services was welcomed as a positive step towards ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential emergency services.