Long wait for ambulance ‘not the first time’

Idea Services says it is disappointed that a person it supports had to wait almost three hours for an ambulance crew to arrive following his emergency call.

Yesterday the Otago Daily Times reported the 55-year-old man, who has an intellectual disability, had to wait outside in the dark for help, as he was in too much pain to be moved.

The man’s legal guardian, his sister Jane Stevens, has lodged a formal complaint with St John over its treatment of her brother.

Idea Services area manager Zelda Jordan said the organisation, which is part of IHC, had to call ambulances occasionally and had always found the staff to be caring and professional.

Ms Jordan said the man received support from Idea and it was disappointed he could not be seen earlier by ambulance staff.

"Unfortunately this is not the first time we have faced a long wait for an ambulance," she said.

"We need better resourcing for ambulances so they can more quickly get to the people who so badly need their help."

The man suffered from highly painful muscular seizures in his back on Sunday afternoon.

St John said yesterday the man’s case had initially been assessed as non-urgent.

It made two welfare checks before being told his condition had changed, at which point an ambulance was dispatched.

Ms Stevens has also written to Health Minister Chris Hipkins with her concerns.

"I know first-hand how excruciatingly painful, debilitating and stressful these attacks are for my brother, and I also know how much they impact on his mental health," she said.

"I would have more respect for St John if it was open about the failure to provide a fit-for-purpose service and the reasons for that."

A spokesman for St John said the organisation contacted Ms Stevens yesterday and was looking into her concerns.

mike.houlahan@odt.co.nz