Hato Hone St John deputy chief executive Dr Damian Tomic has warned there may be longer-than-usual waits for ambulances across the network this winter, particularly for non-urgent conditions.

Winter is expected to challenge the health system as it will bring rising Covid-19 cases, influenza and other seasonal illnesses, but St John is aiming to have sustainable service levels.

"Our goal is to ensure that we can continue to respond effectively to emergencies while managing the increased demand,” Damian said. “However, despite our efforts, we anticipate that some people…may wait longer for an ambulance.”

To effectively manage the seasonal surge, St John has begun to implement its winter plan.

“We have developed a range of initiatives to treat patients in their home and utilise appropriate community pathways when we can and direct the transport and flow of patients into emergency departments safely and effectively.

“It's about ensuring you and your whānau can access the right care you need from the right place, and at the right time.”

The plan includes improving the management of lower-priority calls.

“What this means is that if you call an ambulance for a low-acuity problem like cold and flu symptoms, you may be called back by a nurse or paramedic who will undertake additional clinical assessment and either arrange an ambulance, suggest an alternative provider, or provide telephone advice,” Damian said.

“In some regions, where telehealth services are available, our ambulance crews may use a telehealth consultation as an alternative to transporting a patient to an emergency department.” 

Those services are an important tool to support community-based management of patients, where appropriate, he said.

Damian said St John is working closely with Te Whatu Ora to share, monitor and respond safely to spikes in demand “and any delays that might be likely to arise along the way.”

He said it was also important to understand how and when to access healthcare over winter.

“If you, and/or your whānau become unwell this winter there are a range of options you can choose to access healthcare including your own GP, Healthline and local Pharmacy. But remember that if it’s an emergency people should call 111.

PHOTO: St John Wānaka