Northern Air Disappointed in Court Denying Emergency Injunction Against Alberta Health Services' Air Ambulance Contract

PEACE RIVER, AB, March 29, 2018 /CNW/ - Northern Air is disappointed by the decision of the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench to deny the emergency injunction filed by Northern Air regarding Alberta Health Services' (AHS) decision to remove one of two air ambulances from Peace River.

"We are disappointed with the Court's decision today. The emergency injunction was not about Northern Air – it was about trying to ensure the safety and proper access to critical medical services for rural Albertans. I had hoped a pause in AHS' procurement process would lead to a responsible solution. Northern Air will now proceed with our judicial review" said Northern Air's President, Nate Hilman.  

AHS has stated that the remaining aircraft will be kept on Peace River's tarmac for emergencies. This is not an acceptable approach, it is dangerous and seriously compromises patient care.  With the aircraft stationed outside, emergency services are susceptible to winter weather conditions that can make it impossible to meet AHS's 30-minute turn around requirement and ultimately delay emergency patient's access to proper medical facilities.

Hilman added "AHS' entire RFP process has been flawed from the beginning. The successful proponent chosen by AHS did not have an operational air ambulance base in Peace River when they applied for the RFP, did not have one when they were awarded the RFP, and are now having Peace River's air ambulance base moved to accommodate them, jeopardizing patient care".

Northern Air filed the injunction application after learning of AHS' decision to cut Peace River's air ambulances services in half, despite assurances from both AHS and Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman that a new government contract would not affect services in Peace River or put patient safety at risk. 

For more information, please visit: http://flynorthernair.com/air-ambulance/

SOURCE Northern Air

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