Paramedic Response to Auditor General Report
VANCOUVER, B.C., February 27, 2019 – The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) of British Columbia released a report today titled “Access to Emergency Health Services”. The audit was carried out to determine whether British Columbia Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) has effectively managed access to ambulance and emergency health services across the province. Four recommendations were made by the auditor general.
The Ambulance Paramedics of BC (APBC) are reviewing the recommendations made by the Auditor General, however they agree there are improvements that need to be made to improve timely access to ambulance and emergency health services province-wide. While the APBC believes that BCEHS has implemented some positive changes, including the Clinical Response Model that prioritizes the appropriate resources to the appropriate patients, the data presented in the OAG’s report indicates there is still more work that needs to be done.
“We agree with the Auditor General that emergency health services in BC can be improved and are working with BCEHS and the Provincial Government,” said APBC President, Cameron Eby, “we are currently at the bargaining table where we are seeking to make improvements that meet the service delivery and patient care needs in all communities”.
The APBC is currently engaged with in contract negotiations with BCEHS and Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC), the bargaining agent of the employer. The APBC believe this presents the parties with an opportunity to address and implement solutions to many of the issues identified in the report including urban response times and remote and rural access to higher levels of care.
About Ambulance Paramedics and Emergency Dispatchers of BC:
Ambulance Paramedics and Emergency Dispatchers of British Columbia is the union organization that represents the 4,500+ Paramedics and Emergency Dispatchers of the province of British Columbia, Canada. Please visit www.apbc.ca and www.911bc.com for more information.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Cameron Eby, Provincial President
Ambulance Paramedics and Emergency Dispatchers of BC
(604) 815-7689
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For a PDF version of this press release click HERE.