DHB picks up pensioner's $1471 ambulance bill

Barbara Collett was stunned when she recieved a $1471 bill for an ambulance ride to transfer her partner to Christchurch for surgery. Photo / File

The West Coast District Health Board has agreed to pick up a $1471 bill St John sent a Greymouth pensioner to transfer her partner, who has dementia, back from Christchurch Hospital.

Barbara Collett was stunned to receive the bill, especially as her partner is a subsidised resident of Kowhai Manor rest home. He was transferred to Christchurch for surgery but it did not go ahead, and he was sent back to Greymouth.

The story made talkback radio early today, generating a heated response.

St John spokesman Ian Henderson said yesterday afternoon the district health board would cover the cost of this transfer "as it fits criteria they have".

"To clarify: this invoice was for a trip from Christchurch Hospital to Greymouth. It was booked by Christchurch Hospital," Mr Henderson said.

He said there may have been some confusion from the patient's family.

St John would be rescinding the invoice and issuing a new one to the West Coast DHB instead.

Mrs Collett said this morning she was pleased with the result.

She also felt the invoice was a "wake up call for the Coast".

"It's a steep bill if you haven't got the money."