City and AHS reach contract deal for EMS service
By Lethbridge Herald on March 28, 2024.
City council has approved a new agreement with Alberta Health Services to deliver emergency medical services here through Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services.The agreement is for 2.5 years and replaces the contract that was set to expire on Sunday.
It provides an option for a 2.5-year extension, bringing the total contract to five years.
It supports a core EMS service of four ground ambulances 24 hours a day, ramping up to 10 each day during the peak demand hours between noon and 7 p.m.
“We are grateful to be able to reach this agreement and continue providing the high-quality, integrated fire and emergency services our community deserves,” said mayor Blaine Hyggen in a release sent out by the City on Wednesday morning.
“The new agreement also reduces the amount of municipal tax support required from Lethbridge residents for emergency medical services.”
“We recognize there are significant changes happening within our provincial health care system at this time,” says Greg Adair, LFES Chief. “AHS has been an excellent partner through these negotiations, and we remain committed to working together on solutions that will provide the best long-term, sustainable EMS care for our community.”
The City says the contract “signifies the joint commitment between the City of Lethbridge and AHS to ensure the delivery of emergency services to the community continues, without interruption.”
The contract, says the City, will help reduce the tax supported dollars needed to support EMS services.
The leadership of LFES is also exploring ways to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery to ensure EMS care meets future needs in Lethbridge. 2
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