An agreement has been struck between WA Health and St John Ambulance to provide a more contemporary and secure funding model for the State’s ambulance service.
The agreement, which is to run until 30 June 2022, represents a major change in the way ambulance services are purchased by the Department by moving towards a performance-based funding model, as opposed to the former ‘block funding’ model.
According to the Minister for Health, Roger Cook, 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 taxpayer value for money.
Mr Cook said the new agreement would improve transparency and deliver confidence that St John Ambulance was appropriately resourced to continue to deliver a high level of service to the community.
Mr Cook said he was pleased that the strong and enduring partnership between WA Health and St John Ambulance was continuing.
“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,” Mr Cook said.
“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.”
