October 16, 1999

To: Community Services Committee

From: Barry H. Gutteridge, Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services

Subject: Adjustment to 1999 Toronto Ambulance Operating Budget

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to request City Council to adjust the 1999 Toronto Ambulance operating budget to reflect increased funding from the Ministry of Health to offset increased operating expenses.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There is no financial impact on the 1999 operating budget. Ongoing financial impact on future operating budgets will be addressed as required.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) The Toronto Ambulance operating budget be increased by $418,600 and the provincial grant be increased by the corresponding among; and

(2) Appropriate city officials be given the authority to give effect thereto.

Comments:

Toronto Ambulance has had ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Health regarding the increased workload on our emergency medical dispatchers resulting from the ongoing problems of hospital closures, redirect consideration and critical care bypass. The Ministry has agreed to flow Toronto Ambulance $283,600 to hire additional staff to address workload issues.

Toronto Ambulance paramedic crews have also experienced an increase in the service time of an ambulance call resulting from the hospital closure issues. This has reduced the time available for paramedic crews to do vehicle cleaning and ambulance station related functions. The Ministry of Health has agreed to flow $135,000 this fiscal year to address this problem.

Conclusions:

The increase to the Toronto Ambulance 1999 operating budget is offset by a corresponding incease in funding from the Ministry of Health.

Contact:

Ron Kelusky, General Manager

Phone: 397-9240

Fax: 392-2115

________________________

Ron Kelusky

General Manager

Ambulance Services

________________________

Barry H. Gutteridge

Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services

SVA/sm