New paramedics are starting work in stations across the state. Photo: NSW Ambulance.
An additional 125 paramedics will begin working across regional NSW within the next few months, as the NSW Government responds to ongoing concerns about staff shortages in ambulance stations in small towns.
The NSW Government has committed to deliver 500 additional paramedics to regional and rural areas.
The Riverina will benefit from this pledge, with 10 additional paramedics to be based out of Wagga Wagga, seven more to be located out of Temora and 16 additional paramedics to be based out of Young. Albury will also have an unspecified increase in paramedic staff.
The new starters in the Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW Zone form part of an additional 125 paramedics set to begin working across regional NSW within the next few months. These 125 paramedics are the second group to join NSW Ambulance as part of the regional 500, with 125 paramedics starting work in regional NSW last year.
The increased funding for staff comes after the Australian Paramedics Association NSW warned in January of a “crisis” facing tripe-0 services if poor working conditions and workforce shortages were not addressed.
“Paramedics have lived this fight. We know the cost of being ignored. It’s time for action — fair pay, better conditions, and real solutions to support those who support us all,” the association said.
“NSW can’t afford to lose more frontline health workers.”
The NSW Health Services Union praised the NSW Government’s announcement but warned more support was needed.
“We welcome the second stage of this rollout of more paramedics. Communities in the bush deserve the same level of care as the major centres and cities. This will help ensure they get that care,” Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes said.
“This is also about ensuring paramedics are supported in their jobs. Our paramedics are hardworking all-rounders that rural communities rely heavily on. More staff means better response times and will help avoid burn-out.
“An extra 500 paramedics is a great start, but we would like to see specialised paramedics rolled out as part of this commitment. Sometimes, an ambulance service is all the community has if it’s remote, so we need highly skilled people in those areas.”
Additional paramedics have joined existing NSW Ambulance teams in Dubbo, Orange and Yamba. NSW Ambulance is continuing consultation with staff and the Health Services Union to finalise the proposal for additional paramedics at Deniliquin, Moree, Blayney and Tamworth South.
“This significant workforce increase is a major step forward in strengthening emergency care in regional NSW,” NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said.
“As demand for services continues to grow, we remain focused on delivering exceptional emergency and mobile healthcare across NSW.”
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