NEED FOR AMBULANCE IN LEVIN

Chronicle (Levin), 20 March 1947, Page 4

NEED FOR AMBULANCE IN LEVIN

OTAKI VEHICLE JNADEQUATE The urgent need for the stationing of an ambulance in Levin was strongly emphasised yesterday, when, following an aceident at the Ohau railway crossing, a man's life could have been endangered by the lack of ' suitable transport to convey him to the hospitai in Palmerston North. An hour elapsed before an ambulance was available. At present one ambulance, stationed at Otaki, is expected to attend to all emergencies oceurring between Waikanae and Levin inclusive. This is grossly inadequate, particularly in view of the distances it is required to travel to the nearest hospitals suitable for the treatment of urgent casualties. The Palmerson North Hospitai Board should be urged to seriously consider the employment of another vehicle, preferably one stationed in Levin, which could .perhaps cover the Levin and Shannon districts. Levin is situated on the main highway, and being a busy centre frequently experiences accidents of this nature. More ears are on the main highways than ever before, and with the ciose proximity of the Main Trunk railway, more road accidents ean be expected. In addition, with the growth of the town's population there has been a corresponding inprease in the . number of sickness cases requiring adrpission to Palmerston Narth hospitals. An ambulance in Levin would eliminate unnecessary long delays which are taking place in transferring patients to hospitai.