More oversight needed for STARS by Ministry of Health according to auditor

On Thursday, the provincial auditor’s report was released. One area that was flagged was the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS).

Auditor Judy Ferguson said more oversight by the Ministry of Health is needed to ensure all parties involved are getting the services they require.

“We found that they had good criteria to figure out when to use STARS and that people were applying that criteria — but, really the missing link is the Ministry that’s responsible. They have the contract — a flat rate contract in essence — so they need to be making sure that STARS is doing what it needs to,” Said Ferguson.

On a per call basis, the government paid on average $14,876 to STARS and $756 to ground ambulance service. STARS transports nearly 700 patients annually.

“The key is to use STARS appropriately, you want to use STARS when the criteria calls for the use of STARS,” Ferguson said.

The report said the more intense oversight is important because there are so many stakeholders involved when deciding on when to use STARS for a call, including doctors, hospitals and ground ambulance providers.