AHS to provide direct EMS service to Vegreville

VEGREVILLE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) announced today it will begin providing local-and-area ambulance services within the next six months.

The Town of Vegreville officially notified AHS last week of its decision to divest itself as the ambulance service provider for the region.

“I’d like to thank the Town of Vegreville for its partnership in delivering EMS care since 2009 and the Vegreville EMS team for all the work it does, and has done, to support care for Albertans,” says AHS Chief Paramedic Darren Sandbeck.

“We look forward to continuing our long-standing tradition of working together as we transition to a new service model provided directly by AHS.”

AHS will work directly with the community and current EMS staff to ensure a seamless transition and continued access to high-quality ambulance care.

“All Albertans deserve access to high-quality public healthcare. When patients are in a medical emergency, dedicated EMS professionals ensure they get the care they need quickly and safely,” says Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health.

“We’re committed to continuing to work with the community and EMS professionals throughout this transition and into the future as we fight to protect the public health services that Albertans can count on.”

Adds Sandbeck: “Patient care remains our highest priority as we work through this transition in order to maintain access to ambulance care and ensure there is no disruption to service.”

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.