The NSW Government has confirmed there will be no paramedic job losses with the replacement of the Ettalong Ambulance Station when it closes next year.
The station will be built in the grounds of Woy Woy Hospital and is expected to open in early 2023.
“All paramedics appointed to the Ettalong Ambulance Station will be transferred to the new station,” a NSW Ambulance spokesperson said.
The project has faced questioning by Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, who has voiced her concerns in recent months about the type of data the NSW Government used when planning for the site, and the impact on current staff.
Reports at the time suggested staff at the Ettalong station were blindsided by the relocation and only found out via NSW Health’s handout.
“NSW Ambulance utilised population growth projections supplied by NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and conducted an analysis of COVID-19 population impacts which confirms the new Woy Woy Ambulance Station is optimal location,” a NSW Ambulance spokesperson said.
“The Woy Woy site will ensure paramedics can respond to the greatest number of emergency cases in the shortest time and provide the best care for the community.
“The new Woy Woy Ambulance Station is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $232M investment in the Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration Program.
“The new station will ensure local paramedics have the latest facilities to best deliver local emergency care needs to the communities they service.”
The new station will include internal parking for up to 10 emergency ambulance vehicles, administration areas, a training room and a gym.
Maisy Rae