“As a primary emergency services provider to the community in the city, we received this enquiry with concern.
“We are troubled by the words uttered by Mr Gerber that he contacted our service on several occasions and seemed not to get any joy.
“As a caring service provider we are investigating the alleged incident and can share that preliminary investigations revealed that the call was received through our call centre and immediately afterwards the ambulance was assigned to the address as given.
“The address given was the corner of Cavendish and Kingsway streets, in Brakpan.
“The ambulance was on scene within the prescribed time, as the address was only about 4km from their route back to the fire station from the hospital.
“The crew had to be re-routed as per the address prescribed before arrival at the station.
“We also established that the person who was waiting for an ambulance apparently waited in Voortrekker Street, while the assigned ambulance was at the address prescribed.
“We also found that the patient was not found at the original address as was stated and given.
“The right address where the patient was found is the corner of Kitzinger and Cavendish streets.
“We would further like to indicate that, in terms of the Ambulance Circular number 20, of 1998, which addresses the ambulance route, it state that the patient will be transported to the nearest appropriate health facility which, in this case, is the Far East Rand Hospital.
“It is then outlined that the hospital will arrange an inter-hospital transfer with the provincial ambulance, with prearrangement with the receiving facility.
“It is, therefore, correct that our paramedics have, accordingly, informed Mr Gerber of this fact.
“A detailed investigation is underway and we promise that, where acts of misconduct have been found, disciplinary action will be taken accordingly.
“We regret the experience of Mr Gerber in this regards and promise that we strive for a better service delivery for all.”
