‘Equal access needed’, says Ministry

The nation’s existing rescue helicopters won’t cut it, the Ministry of Health says. That’s why regional bases like Taupo¯’s Greenlea Rescue Helicopter are not being considered for future funding.

The Ministry of Health [MoH] and ACC are seeking standardisation across the nation’s air ambulance service. A spokesperson says rationalisation is the only way to sustain the service nationwide.

After November 1, only considering operators that can bring in a standardised fleet of larger, double-engined helicopters will be considered for funding. The National Ambulance Sector Office, which has four full-time staff, is managing this funding.

The plan would call an end to government funding for bases in Taupo¯ , Rotorua and Te Anau.

Health minister David Clark declined an interview request on the subject, providing a statement from MoH’s community and ambulance manager Andrew Inder instead.

Inder said the rationalisation plan looked at the nation’s fleet as a whole.

Many of the helicopters currently operating did not meet all aviation requirements, he said.

‘‘The current helicopter fleet has an average age of 29 years.’’

Inder said demand for helicopter services was rising, with an increase from 7000 mission hours nationwide in 2007 to 11,000 hours in 2016.

However, the existing model was unsustainable, he said.

‘‘There are increasing aviation and clinical compliance requirements and there is evidence that there is variability in clinical outcomes by region.’’

Full access to a patient for medical treatment would be enabled by larger, double-engine helicopters, he said.

‘‘Modern helicopters that can provide air ambulance services with appropriate medical equipment are expensive, specialised assets costing millions of dollars,’’ Inder said.

‘‘For many communities, the cost of upgrading their ageing air ambulance helicopters to provide a safer service is financially challenging.’’

‘‘One thing agreed by all those involved in providing, funding, organising or using these services is the importance of making improvements that achieve better outcomes for patients requiring air ambulance helicopter services,’’