Leeds Grenville CAO, Andy Brown, and the Paramedic Service Chief, Chris Lloyd, received a communication from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) on Monday, April 15, advising of the intent of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to reduce 52 ambulance services to 10 through restructuring.
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville have been providing a consolidated land ambulance service in Leeds and Grenville since the service was downloaded to municipalities from the Province in 2001. Leeds and Grenville municipalities have invested millions of dollars to improve the level of service.
Counties Council and senior staff are shocked by this news, as there has been no readily available information on the government’s plan to do restructuring, how it was determined, its governance model and funding matters. Currently there are ongoing discussions between the government, AMO, and the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs. The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is pleased to hear the government will be meeting with the key stakeholders.
Chief Lloyd wants to reassure the residents of Leeds and Grenville that the Paramedic Service will continue to deliver excellent and critically important care to our communities and that, as more information becomes available, we will keep our stakeholders informed. The Counties is appreciative of all the Paramedic Service employees who provide professional and the highest quality of care to the residents of Leeds and Grenville.
It is anticipated that over the next days, weeks and months more information will be received regarding the government’s restructuring plan.
For more information, contact Chris Lloyd, Paramedic Service Chief at 613-342-3840, ext. 2406.
