NDP: Paramedics asked to pay out of pocket for medical equipment

A shocking email released today by NDP Leader Rachel Notley, revealed that Paramedics are being asked to fund the purchase of medical equipment by a voluntary payroll deduction.
The email, sent to the NDP by a concerned worker, comes from a private foundation and asks paramedics to pay for EMS equipment including basic necessities such as stretchers,through voluntary payroll deductions.
The EMS budget for medical and surgical supplies was slashed by 64% between 2009-10 and 2012-13.
“Paramedics need this equipment to do their jobs and their job is to save lives. They shouldn’t have to pay for necessary equipment or turn to a charity to get it. They need a government who understands how important the work they do is,” said Notley. “Alberta’s NDP stands with frontline workers, and has a plan to ensure that the services working families depend on are protected and grow with our province.”
This news comes before Jim Prentice has had an opportunity to implement his billion dollar cut to healthcare.
“If things are this bad now, what would it be like after those cuts?” said Notley. “PC cuts, neglect and mismanagement have put us in this crisis and the Jim Prentice budget has only more cuts to come. Only the NDP has the commitment and a realistic plan to fix Alberta’s health care”