Decision on management of air ambulance service not expected until end of summer

It will be late summer before any decisions are made on the future of Newfoundland and Labrador's air ambulance system, which some central Newfoundland leaders fear could mean job losses. 

Two unnamed companies are bidding on the service. The bids are currently "under evaluation," according to N.L. Health Services, which will oversee the contract. 

The province issued a request for proposals, or RFP, in early December for a proponent to design, manage and operate a single, integrated road and air ambulance service. 

The deadline for RFP responses was initially scheduled for February, but was later extended until April.

Included in the document is the condition that air ambulance aircraft be based in St. John's and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

This has not sat well with political leaders in the Gander area. 

"Gander emphasizes that decisions about centralized services should prioritize the ability to serve the needs of the population and demographics effectively," said a town release in late April. "The re-imagined health care system must account for current and future demographics, utilize existing infrastructure efficiently, and effectively interconnect provincial health care facilities through transportation networks."

In addition to the medical jobs associated with running the service, Gander is also set to lose dispatching jobs associated with running air ambulance services. 

While all air ambulance dispatchers are currently based in Gander, the RFP dictates the service will be moved to the St. John's area. It could mean the loss of up to 10 government jobs.

"The proposed centralization undermines the commitment to supporting rural communities, and maintains that the Air Services Division, currently headquartered in Gander, should play a pivotal role in the proposed plan," the town release stated. "The current plan neglects the expertise and infrastructure already in place in Gander."

CBC contacted the provincial health department and N.L. Health Services but neither would do an interview on the subject.

In a statement, N.L. Health Services said the selected proponent will be responsible for managing the program, staff and budget on behalf of the provincial health authority, and with ensuring efficient operations as part of the contract. 

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