A record investment of over $21 million.
The Government has announced a significant funding boost for Hato Hone St John, with Associate Minister of Health Casey Costello and Minister for ACC Matt Doocey confirming the additional allocation. As part of the agreement, Health New Zealand and ACC will jointly provide nearly $357 million in funding to the organisation for emergency road ambulance and communication services in the 2024/25 financial year.
According to Ms Costello, "Hato Hone St John provides an essential service by ensuring people receive timely treatment in an emergency." The funding uplift is seen as a crucial measure in maintaining the delivery of emergency road ambulance services. Mr Doocey highlighted the importance of adequate funding for these services, emphasizing that it ensures New Zealanders have access to emergency healthcare.
The negotiations with Hato Hone St John's unions have been settled, and no further industrial action disrupting road ambulance services is expected. Health NZ and ACC worked closely with the organisation to minimize disruption and ensure essential services remained available. The investment will support the ongoing delivery of Hato Hone St John's emergency road ambulance service.