By Lisa Schick

Price hike in ambulance fees

Feb 10, 2011 | 10:54 AM

Whether a heart attack, broken leg or seizure those needing paramedics will now have to pay a little more for the service.

The Regional health authority decided at their meeting Wednesday to increase the base pickup fee for advance care and primary care paramedic services and the per-kilometre fee as well.

Ambulance pick-up rates haven’t been increased since 2006.

John Piggott, vice-president of operations for the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region said costs for the service are going up so the increases were necessary.

“Over the last several years the costs of fuel have gone up, the costs of medical supplies have gone up, even cost of vehicles have gone up so at a certain point you have to say that in order to continue to operate a service that’s going to be responsive to the needs of the public there are certain costs,” Piggott said.

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Ambulance service’s wages and maintenance are paid for by the fees, but also through a grant from the health region, which is why the board of the regional health authority has to approve and ratify a fee hike, according to Piggott.

“The regulations are changed by the ministry to allow the rate to go up, then it’s considered by the board … and then the increase goes to formally give the minister of health 30 days-notice and then it (comes) back to the board (for) their ratification in the public meeting,” said Piggott.

The pick-up fees for services in Prince Albert and Spiritwood have been raised from $300 to $310 and fees for services in Big River and Blaine Lake have been raised from $220 to $230.

The travel rate has also been increased to $2.30 per kilometre.

The new fees go into effect today.

lschick@panow.com