Eastern Health has deployed ambulances to Whitbourne after the provincial government severed its service agreement with Smith’s amid concerns about the operator’s ability to meet its obligations.

Interim President and CEO of Eastern Health, Ken Baird says they’ve moved ambulances into the Whitbourne area to replace the previous service.

As for staffing, they’re working through the possibility of hiring on former Smith’s staff.

He says there will be opportunities to consider how those staff will be accommodated into the current system, but there have been no clear directions or decisions at this time.

Patients should not notice any difference in available service.

Whitbourne Mayor Hilda Whalen says she’s not sure if the situation will be permanent going forward.