Members of the Wairoa community say that proposed changes to a reduction in St John Ambulance services made by management to a community rally today are still not enough, says the National Distribution Union.

125 protesters, including representatives from the local Iwi, Federated Farmers, Plunket, Aged Concern and the National Distribution Union, attended the rally in the small and isolated Hawkes Bay town despite the rain.

“We are pleased that by standing together as a community St Johns Ambulance management have taken on board our concerns,” said National Distribution Union delegate and St Johns Paramedic Adrienne Andresen. “But the company’s new proposal still retains a reduction in our second ambulance service ? they’re asking our small community to only fall sick or has accidents from 9 til 5 from Monday to Friday.”

Mrs Andresen said that the community was thrilled that the company had increased the qualification of a proposed fourth Ambulance officer, but were disappointed it remained a part-time position - “But we can change that” she said.

St Johns management have offered to attend a meeting with the local council over their concerns in late January, which will be open to the public.

At the rally a member of the public asked St Johns management “We invited you [St Johns management] to our first public meeting and you didn’t attend, how can we expect you to attend the second?” Mrs Andresen said.

ENDS

Photos and video footage will be available through Simon Oosterman, NDU Publicity Officer on 021 922 551

Contacts

:

Adrienne Andresen, St Johns Wairoa Paramedic on 027 450 3658
Laila Harré, National Secretary on 021 839 661