DSSAB still battling province for land ambulance funding

News Release
Rainy River DSSAB

The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board (RRDSSAB) is continuing in its initiative to secure adequate funding for its Land Ambulance Program. Ongoing discussions with Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Minister Smitherman’s office and Emergency Health Services Branch continue.
At a special meeting of the Board on July 12th, 2005 it was resolved to defer a decision on the Land Ambulance Program until August 30, 2005, pending receipt of 2005/06 funding levels. “We feel that this extension will provide the Ministry with ample opportunity to complete funding initiatives for 2005/06 year,” stated RRDSSAB chair Russ Fortier. “Once we receive our funding levels the Board of Directors will reconsider what further action, if any has to be taken.”
Decisions that face our Municipal leaders at the RRDSSAB are difficult. They must determine whether reductions in services or increased costs to the taxpayers of the District are required.
Meetings with the Land Ambulance Operators, Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc. and Atikokan General Hospital have identified several funding issues which must be resolved to ensure the continued high quality of service currently being provided.
Adequate funding to support increased call volumes and maintain mandated Provincial Response times is required. We await the Ministry’s funding initiatives.