November 2003

Thumbs up from rural ambo service

Rural and Regional Victorians have given Rural Ambulance Victoria (RAV) a vote of confidence.

The latest RAV patient satisfaction survey for 2003 has indicated overall satisfaction of nearly 98 per cent across country Victoria.

Announcing the survey results, Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said 93 per cent of correspondents were highly satisfied with the level of care provided by the treating paramedic.

Only 12 per cent of people thought that the ambulance took longer than expected.

‘The Government has committed $24.6 million in recurrent funds and $14.75 million in capital funds to emergency ambulance services in regional and rural Victoria since 1999.

‘These funds have increased ambulance availability and significantly enhanced service quality and the level of clinical expertise.

‘And an additional $3.8 million was allocated in 2003–04 to further expand ambulance services across Victoria.

‘We’ve also increased funding for the upgrade of bio-medical equipment and for significant upgrading and refurbishment of existing ambulance stations.

‘There’s never any room for complacency and we will continue to work with paramedics and local communities to bring quality health services to all Victorians,’ Ms Pike said.