EDMONTON – The Mayor of Red Deer says she’s pleased with the province’s decision to reconsider some aspects of its plan to centralize ambulance dispatch services.
Last year, the Health Quality Council of Alberta recommended ambulance dispatch be centralized to Edmonton, Calgary and Peace River. The move would affect emergency services in Red Deer, Lethbridge and Fort McMurray.
However, now the province says it will present a new proposal to the mayors of Red Deer, Lethbridge, Peace River, and Fort McMurray.
“We’re cautiously optimistic. We’re pleased that there is even a prospect of a proposal and our hope is that we’ll be able to come up with a workable plan that will work in the best interest of not only Red Deerians, but in terms of the overall, Red Deer’s role with respect to emergency response within the provincial system, as well,” Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer said.
“The move towards centralization would have resulted in the dissolution of ambulance dispatch in Red Deer, which we believe is central to maintaining integrated fire and ambulance emergency response. While we don’t have all the details just yet, this is a step in the right direction.”
Veer says more information on the new proposal is expected by the end of next month, when she meets with Alberta Health Minister Fred Horne.