Update: In an email to MyLloydminsterNow the SHA says that with the WPD Ambulance arbitration process ongoing, they have no comment to make at this time on the Lloydminster aspect of the EMS funding.
The recent Saskatchewan budget is delivering an extra $8.8 million for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) improvements in several communities.
Lloydminster, Cut Knife, Biggar, Kindersley, Outlook and Wilkie are among 31 communities to receive the funding.
However, in the case of Lloydminster where the provider WPD Ambulance has been in arbitration with the SHA over the termination of its contract, it is unclear how the funding will be disbursed.
Officials indicate over $3.5 million will support the addition of 33 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in some of these communities. Also, contracted EMS providers will receive a $2.6 million increase to go towards wages to assist with recruitment and retention measures.
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The breakdown shows:
- $866,000 to support a two per cent grant increase for contracted ambulance operators to mitigate rising operational pressures
- Over $1 million to support EMS communications equipment and technology upgrades.