On Tuesday, October 17th the Paramedic Association of Manitoba contacted all four candidates seeking election as Winnipeg's next Mayor. In written correspondence to each candidate PAM sought assurances that the next Mayor would show leadership by stopping the current amalgamation strategy and asking all stakeholders, including the provincial Government, Manitoba Health and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, to work collectively in efforts to ensure a sustainable and effective EMS system for Winnipeg.
Incumbent Mayor Sam Katz replied to our request by outlining initiatives in the 2006 City budget aimed at improving Winnipeg's EMS services, including an additional ambulance and 12 new paramedic positions. Nowhere in his reply did he accept our recommendation to review the current strategy for amalgamation, nor did he acknowlege concerns related to ambulance shortages or staff retention issues.
Marianne Cerilli's response was much more encouraging. She acknowledged that Winnipeg's amalgmation was frought with problems and agreed that paramedics need to be more fully integrated into the health care system. In her reply she provided assurances that she would "reopen the (amalgamation) plan and reconsider the best approach to providing EMS for Winnipeg".
The correspondence received from both Katz and Cerilli is available for viewing on the PAM website at www.paramedicsofmanitoba.ca/initiatives/lobbying.asp. I encourage you to read them.
No comments:
Post a Comment