In a major milestone for Napier, a new Hato Hone St John ambulance station, Health Shuttle service, and a Major Incident Support Team (MIST) vehicle will be officially unveiled on Monday, 7 August.
Located on Tait Drive, the project has seen a new state-of-the art emergency response hub built on the site of the former ambulance station. Part of the old building was demolished and the remaining structure was significantly extended.
The new facility will be officially opened by John Whitehead, Hato Hone St John Chancellor. Other attendees will include mayors from across the Hawke’s Bay region, Members of Parliament, contractors and companies involved in the project, and Hato Hone St John partners, volunteers, and employees.
Brendon Hutchinson, Hato Hone St John District Operations Manager, says the new station is the largest in the region, and will act as a major hub for ambulance services, staff and community training, and other Hato Hone St John community programmes.
“Because of the immense support of our volunteers, donors, and the wider community, we are now better equipped than ever to respond to emergencies as they arise.
“The station is built to be operational in the immediate aftermath of major emergencies like earthquakes or significant natural disasters, while the training and staff facilities will help us build a more resilient community.”
Built to Importance Level 4 (IL4) standard, the station has space for emergency and patient transfer vehicles, 25 car parks for staff and visitors, areas for public first aid courses, meetings, administration, and operational support, six rest areas for shift workers, a kitchen and communal area, showers and bathroom facilities, and a wash bay for vehicles. Space to deliver medical alarm services and the St John Youth programme, is also included.
In another milestone, Napier’s new Health Shuttle service has hit the road, thanks to a team of newly trained volunteers.
The koha (donation-based) service transports people to and from vital health and wellbeing-related appointments that clients otherwise cannot get to.
Leigh Herewini, Hato Hone St John Community Transport Manager, says it’s the seventh shuttle service to launch in Hawke’s Bay.
“We’re humbled and honoured to have had such incredible support. This service, driven by the passion and goodwill of our volunteers, is going to have a hugely positive impact on the wellbeing of our community.”
The health shuttle roll out coincides with the launch of Napier’s first ever MIST vehicle.
Thanks to generous funding from the public, the vehicle will be used during major emergencies and public events. It contains bulk medical equipment capable of treating up to 50 patients, stretchers, an inflatable rescue shelter, generator, scene lighting, and vital communications equipment.
The MIST vehicle has been in use in Napier for some weeks, but an official launch ceremony is being held to coincide with the new station opening.
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For more information contact media@stjohn.org.nz or 0800 756 334 (0800 SJ MEDIA).