State Government confirms Patient Transport Services to remain with the Queensland Ambulance Service

The Bligh Government today announced Patient Transport Services (PTS) will continue to be offered by Queensland Ambulance Service in a win for the state’s frontline emergency services.

An Audit of QAS in December 2007 recommended non-emergency patient transport services be made contestable in Queensland while recognising that QAS would need to continue to provide a certain level of service.

Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts said the government has decided QAS will continue to provide this important service for the people of Queensland.

"The QAS Audit was all about focusing resources on the front-line," Mr Roberts said.

"I have always said that a decision on contestability would only be made after consideration of all of the options, including the full retention of the current non-urgent patient transport service.

"We have also taken part in broad consultations with unions and paramedics with first-hand knowledge of the importance of patient transport services.

"Following consideration of all the issues, and submissions made by the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union, Cabinet has decided not to make non-urgent medically authorised QAS patient transport services contestable.

"This is a win for our frontline emergency services and a win for the people of Queensland."

"The Bligh Government is committed to providing a first-class ambulance service for Queensland.

"Our continued commitment to non-urgent medically authorised patient transport services is further demonstrated by our $4 million investment in 30 new patient transport vehicles this financial year."

Media contact – Jessica Lawrence (Minister’s office) – 3247 8992