New ambulance contract provides continuity and confidence

  • St John Ambulance contract extended until June 2022
  • New contemporary funding model linked to service demand
  • Contract provides continuity of services and funding confidence 
  • A new, two-year agreement between the Department of Health and St John Ambulance provides a more contemporary and secure funding model for Western Australia’s ambulance service.

    The agreement, which will run from October 1, 2020 until June 30, 2022, represents a major change in the way that ambulance services are purchased by moving towards a performance-based funding model, as opposed to a ‘block funding’ model.

    St John Ambulance will now be funded in line with service demand, giving it the confidence to forward plan and invest in new ambulances as required, while also giving the Western Australian taxpayer value for money.

    The new agreement will improve transparency and confidence that St John Ambulance is appropriately resourced to continue to deliver a high level of service to the community.

    As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:

    “The State Government, through the Department of Health, is pleased to continue its strong and enduring partnership with St John Ambulance.

    “This new contract represents a significant shift in the way ambulance services are purchased in Western Australia – with the move to a more modern and efficient performance-based model for metropolitan areas.

    “Under the new model, St John Ambulance will be funded based on service demand, leaving it better placed to plan ahead and invest in new ambulances as required.

    “I commend both the Department of Health and St John Ambulance for working collaboratively on this contract to ensure Western Australians continue to have access to vital, high-quality and safe ambulance services, with improved value for money.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.