Chief of Paramedic Services to retire at the end of August
Waterloo Region – Stephen Van Valkenburg, Region of Waterloo’s Chief of Paramedic Services has announced that he will retire at the end of August. Chief Van Valkenburg has served the Region in this capacity for the past nine years.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside Chief Van Valkenburg in the Public Health and Emergency Services department at the Region of Waterloo,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health. “Under his leadership, Paramedic Services has modernized and expanded to meet the needs of our growing community. We are grateful for his vision and responsiveness to the new and emerging health care needs of the residents of Waterloo Region.”
Since assuming the role of Chief of Paramedic Services, Chief Van Valkenburg has led numerous improvements and projects including the introduction of new ambulance stations in Kitchener, Woolwich Township and Wellesley Township as well as the new North Division deployment headquarters in Woolwich Township.
Chief Van Valkenburg led the creation of a 10-year Master Plan for Paramedic Services for the Region of Waterloo which was updated in 2019. This comprehensive plan outlines the resourcing, staffing and station requirements for the service based on predictive modelling for specific key performance indicators including vehicle responses, unit utilization and population growth.
Under Chief Van Valkenburg’s leadership from 2013 to 2022, Paramedic Services added 17 12-hour ambulances, 1 emergency rescue unit, an all-terrain vehicle and trailer for inaccessible patient calls, and power stretchers and loading systems. Regional Council also recently approved his plan for 11 more 12-hour ambulances over 2022 and (in principle) over 2023. As one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, these additional resources will help address the needs of our growing and aging population.
One of Chief Van Valkenburg’s noted achievements is securing up to nine million dollars to initiate the Community Paramedicine Program. This non-emergency service has increased access to health and community services while preventing unnecessary 911 calls and emergency department visits as well as allowing seniors to stay in their homes while awaiting placement in long-term care. Many seniors and residents living with chronic illness benefit from visits in their home from trained community paramedics.
Chief Van Valkenburg has also overseen the advancement of the service’s recruitment and graduation process to ensure the highest caliber of paramedics are hired by the Region of Waterloo to serve the residents of the community. He has served as a member of the Conestoga College Paramedic Program Advisory Committee since 2013 when he joined the Region. Chief Van Valkenburg also serves as the Board Chair of Kitchener-Waterloo St. John Ambulance and is a board member of Ontario 211 and the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs.
“I would like to thank the staff at Paramedic Services for their support and dedicated service to the residents of our Region,” said Chief Stephen Van Valkenburg. “I am proud to have had the opportunity to serve as the Chief of Paramedic Services for the Region of Waterloo and elevate the service to its current state with the input and assistance of a great team.”
Recruitment will begin shortly for Chief Van Valkenburg’s replacement.
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