TWELVE additional paramedics are now working in Lismore, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s election commitment to boost the regional workforce by 500 paramedics over four years.
Based out of Lismore Ambulance Station, the additional paramedics will provide emergency and mobile health care across the North Coast Zone, as part of NSW Ambulance’s highly mobile workforce.
These paramedics are part of the first cohort of 125 additional paramedics who have joined teams at the following regional locations:
- Lismore Station
- Ballina Station (five extra paramedics)
- South West Rocks Station
- Port Macquarie Station
- Mudgee Station
- Lithgow
- Goulburn Station
- Broken Hill Station
- Bathurst Station
- Parkes Station
- Tottenham Station
- Kangaroo Valley Station
- Bomaderry (Nowra) Education.
This workforce boost is part of the $1.76-billion Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team (SWIFT) Program, which is delivering up to 2,500 staff across NSW, 30 new stations and hundreds more ambulances over the coming years.
The Minns Labor Government will continue to roll out the additional 500 paramedics over a four-year period, with future locations to be determined through consultation between NSW Ambulance, the Health Services Union, local communities and health staff about the needs and resourcing in their area.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
“The addition of these highly skilled paramedics in the bush will help drive better health outcomes for patients and their families, while also providing more support to our current NSW Ambulance staff in the North Coast.
“We are dedicated to boosting healthcare staffing levels across the state, which will ensure we continue to meet the needs of the local community.
“By funding the 12 additional full-time paramedics, the NSW Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our health workforce in the regions.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin:
“We welcome these additional paramedics who will make a real difference in our region.
“Paramedics are one of the most trusted professions in Australia, providing life-saving frontline care to our local communities.
“I value these highly skilled and dedicated professionals and wish them well with their postings.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:
“This significant increase to the paramedic workforce across the state will boost NSW Ambulance’s capacity to provide high quality care to patients across NSW.
“As demand for services continues to grow, we remain committed to providing world class emergency and mobile health care to the NSW community.
“All our paramedics share a commitment to excellence in serving their communities all over NSW.”
