Local MPs announce Funding boost for Rescue Helicopter
July 1, 2010
“Almost $80,000 will be given to the Hawke’s Bay Helicopter Rescue Trust this week thanks to extra funding from the National-led Government,” says Craig Foss MP for Tukituki
“The Hawke ’s Bay Helicopter Rescue Trust provides a vital service. Both Craig and I are privileged to be able to present a cheque today to further support their work in the greater Hawke’s Bay region,” said Chris Tremain MP for Napier.
“Air ambulance helicopters are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Government is working hard to ensure these critical, life-saving services continue to serve the community and save lives.” say Craig and Chris
“Having been personally involved in an accident off Taits Beach, north of Napier, where a friend was helicoptered to hospital I know the value of this service from first hand experience” – Chris Tremain.
The funding boost is part of a $48 million commitment to implementing a New Zealand Ambulance Services Strategy over the next four years.
The Hawkes Bay Helicopter Rescue Trust is one of 16 centres across New Zealand that provides life-saving service transport for critically ill or injured people to medical facilities.
The plan, announced in June last year, will see 100 extra paramedics and additional training for rural ambulance staff across the country.
Although air ambulances transport about three in every 100 ambulance patients, their costs represent two in every ten dollars of the $150 million spent by Health and ACC on ambulance services.
“We are committed to supporting and furthering our health service sector in the years ahead,” says local Hawke’s Bay MPs, Chris Tremain and Craig Foss.
