Harbour Grace council concerned about ambulance service downsizing

Harbour Grace council members are concerned about the removal of some local ambulance workers.

During a regular council meeting this week, Coun. Kathy Tetford brought forward the recent layoff of several ambulance workers under Moore’s Ambulance Service, which offers services to residents in the Harbour Grace area.

Tetford said four staff members had been laid off, leaving only two available ambulances for Harbour Grace.

“At any point in time, we now have two ambulances only,” Tetford said. “From my understanding, these ambulances are used not only for emergencies, but also for anyone who needs to travel from here, or from Carbonear, to St. John’s. “If someone needs to be in St. John’s via an ambulance for whatever reason, that leaves us with only one ambulance we can rely on.”

Tetford said this poses a significant issue for residents of Harbour Grace and surrounding areas by downgrading local services, adding the situation should be cause for great concern.

Tetford made a motion that Mayor Don Coombs write to or meet with both ambulance services in the area, which includes Moore’s and Smith’s, as well as MHA Pam Parsons. Tetford added she would like some clarification on the downgrades, questioning whether the decision came from a lack of available funds or simply because the need is not there.

“Now we’re down to two (ambulances), and Carbonear hospital could call on them any time to bring someone in to St. John’s. Then we’ve got one, and if we have an emergency here, what kind of trouble are we in?” Tetford said during the meeting. “I’d just like to find out. Four people being laid off, and losing two ambulances … that’s a big deal.”

The motion ultimately came down to Coombs meeting with Moore’s Ambulance Services and Eastern Health to discuss the downsizing of services to the town of Harbour Grace by Moore’s. The motion was carried, though no details were discussed.