The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) is hoping to take direct control of the district's ambulance service.
"With the approval of its 2021 Budget, we will explore the potential of direct delivery of EMS/Land Ambulance Services," says a news release. "The provincial trend has been shifting to direct delivery and the DNSSAB is one of only a few municipal entities that does not deliver EMS services directly but contracts out to third party operators. Currently, the operators are North Bay Regional Health Centre, Mattawa General Hospital, and the Municipality of Temagami."
The release says at various times since 2001, when the Province transferred the responsibility for land ambulance to the municipalities/DSSABs, Board members have raised the subject of EMS direct delivery.
"More recently, the Board has directed staff to look into this in more depth. A preliminary review has indicated that the direct delivery of land ambulance services could bring benefits in the areas of centralized operations and administration, operating efficiencies, increased performance, and evolving the system to meet community needs."
DNSSAB will now do a more detailed financial analysis and potential transition plan for direct delivery. This analysis will start in the second quarter of 2021 with a final report expected before the end of the year.
“The intention of the review is to consider what delivery model offers the best overall service,” says DNSSAB Board Chair, Mark King.
If the Board undertakes direct delivery, the transition plan will be executed with the view of having the service transferred in-house during early 2022. The status quo for EMS Services delivery will remain until a decision is made.
"Regardless of the service delivery model chosen, the Board is committed to continuing to work with the contracted ambulance service providers and values their leadership and participation in ambulance operations to date," the release concludes.
Hospital spokeswoman Kim McElroy, in an emailed statement, told BayToday "DNSSAB is at the early stages of exploring the potential for direct delivery of EMS/Land Ambulance Services. This review will help the NBRHC and DNSSAB determine the potential impact (financial, service etc.) of moving to a direct delivery model. Regardless of the outcome of the review, the Health Centre looks forward to continuing to grow its already strong partnership with DNSSAB to best serve our community’s needs."
