Tauranga has a brand-new Hato Hone St John patient transfer service ambulance thanks to the generosity of Grassroots Trust.

The new patient transfer vehicle was dedicated at the Chartwell ambulance station in Hamilton on June 12, during an event attended by Hato Hone St John dignitaries, Grassroots Trust representatives, and local iwi members.

The ceremony was opened with a karakia, mihi whakatau, and a waiata by kaumatua Ted Sweet, representing Ngaati Wairere.

Grassroots Trust Ltd director Kevin Burgess presented the vehicle keys to Ken Williamson, Knight of the Order of St John and Master of Ceremonies, which was followed by a dedication, prayers, and blessings by Sweet, and Reverend Lou Zampese, CStJ.

MC Ken Williamson (left) and Kevin Burgess at the vehicle dedication. Photo / Supplied

This is one of five different Hato Hone St John vehicles Grassroots Trust has supported the purchase of so far this year, across both the emergency ambulance service and patient transfer service, for different communities around the country.

Burgess said Grassroots Trust was proud to support Hato Hone St John in its journey of enhancing the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders.

“It is important to us that all our communities have access to such a vital service, and it is important that all services provided, such as patient transfer services, are resourced to the same level.

“We recognise the significant commitment shown by the paid staff and volunteers of Hato Hone St John and are pleased to be able to provide this funding.”

Hato Hone St John’s patient transfer service covers emergency, urgent and standard transfers and is a 24-hour, seven-day service.

It is run separately from the emergency ambulance service.

Around 84,000 patient transfers are facilitated per year. These often occur for patients who require specialist services or a higher level of care not available at a particular facility, such as a retirement village, whilst also supporting patient flow between hospitals.

Leanne Mckinnon, and Kevin Burgess (third from left), with local HHStJ patient transfer service operations staff. Photo / Supplied

PTS ambulances, which were typically bigger than a standard ambulance, carry most medical equipment found in an emergency ambulance unit.

Key PTS unit components include: a defibrillator, medical air and oxygen, self-loading electric stretchers, power units for specialist hospital equipment, and seating for four people – hospital escorts, patients, or relatives, for example.

HHStJ patient transfer services operations manager Leanne Mckinnon speaking at the vehicle dedication. Photo / Supplied

HHStJ patient transfer services operations manager Leanne Mckinnon, who also attended the event, was grateful to Grassroots Trust for funding the new unit for Tauranga and surrounding communities.

“This state-of-the-art ambulance will be part of a fleet of eight dedicated PTS ambulances in the Bay of Plenty, serving communities across a vast area — from Athenree in the north, to Ōpōtiki in the south,” said Mckinnon.

“We are incredibly thankful to Grassroots Trust for their ongoing support and for this latest grant. This new ambulance is a vital addition that will directly help us in our mission to provide compassionate, professional care to those who need it most.”

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