For the first time, Queenstown will have a dedicated rescue helicopter while the current on-call service from Te Anau will continue, Health Minister David Clark has confirmed.
Dr Clark announced today an agreement had been signed for southern region air ambulance services, provided by a new joint venture Helicopter Emergency Medical Services New Zealand Limited (HEMS).
HEMS is a joint venture between Helicopters Otago in Dunedin and GCH Aviation in Christchurch.
The future of the Te Anau rescue helicopter service was in doubt this year, but Dr Clark confirmed all existing bases in the South Island will continue operating.
In Christchurch and Dunedin, the air ambulance service will operate 24/7 with dedicated crews constantly available.
Bases in Nelson, Greymouth and Queenstown will have dedicated crews during the day and crews on-call overnight.
It is the first time Queenstown will have dedicated rescue helicopter cover.
Dr Clark said Queenstown will be covered by a larger helicopter with better technical specifications, as will Greymouth
"And I know that confirmation that the current on-call service from Te Anau will continue will be welcome by people in the south west of the South Island,'' he said.
“Our current air ambulance services have done a great job over the years. This new arrangement will help them build on their existing strengths and strong community relationships.''
Clutha Southland MP Hamish Walker said he was thrilled the Minister had ''come to his senses'' and decided against cutting the Te Anau base.
“The Te Anau Rescue Helicopter service plays a critical part in rural health care in Southland and Fiordland and has saved a countless amount of lives over the years.”
Mr Walker claimed his advocacy had played a part in retaining the base.
“I lobbied because I understand the importance of the chopper in the remoteness of rural Southland and Fiordland.”
“There was so much at risk if this base was removed, but because of the strong outcry from the community, the Minister has had to backtrack and keep the service.”
“It has been a real community effort.”
“The experience of the pilots in Te Anau was too much in itself to lose, which has been built up over decades, and I’m thrilled the Minister has come to his senses.”
