Press Release Re: RFP
For Immediate Release:
FREDERICTON, July 27, 2005 - The Paramedic Association of New Brunswick (PANB) is applauding the New Brunswick government's decision to improve Prehospital care by releasing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an "Enhanced Ambulance Services System for New Brunswick". "This is a very important step in the provision of ambulance services to the citizens of New Brunswick" notes PANB President Jim Brown. "The Paramedics of this province have always recognized the fact that enhanced ambulance services is the key component to a redesigned healthcare system in the province. This position has now been validated by the release of this RFP" continued Brown.
However, while the Association is supportive of the release of the RFP, there is some are concern that this same government has not provided enough details within the RFP, specifically regarding minimum educational requirements as well as a clearer endorsement and requirement to follow the national standards for education and scope of practice. "National standards for education and practice levels have been developed with input from all sectors within this industry, including provincial regulators, specifically New Brunswick" said Brown. "These standards will allow for ease in transfer of credentials from paramedics across the country who want to come to work in New Brunswick, where there is likely to be a shortage of paramedics over the short and longer term. As well, these standards allow for a more uniformity in training across the country resulting in more consistent and higher trained paramedics to protect the public, no matter where they come from. It is time that New Brunswick's ambulance system utilized these well documented and validated educational standards" concludes Brown.
For further information contact:
Chris Hood, Executive Director
Paramedic Association of New Brunswick
506-459-2638
