The Central Coast is to have two new ambulance stations – at Kincumber and Lisarow – as part of a $1.76B boost to frontline emergency care announced by the State Government.
Parliamentary Secretary for The Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the move demonstrates the Government’s commitment to investing in frontline workers and the critical services they provide.
“We are always thankful for the outstanding commitment, compassion, and tireless efforts of our ambulance staff,” Crouch said.
The $1.76B commitment, to be made in the State Budget which will be handed down on June 21, will see 2,128 new staff recruited state-wide and 30 more stations opened, including the two on the Central Coast.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said ambulance services across Australia are experiencing unprecedented demand.
“But this funding will ensure NSW is well placed for the challenges ahead,” he said.
“The investment will help increase capacity both in terms of available paramedics to respond to patients, and available staff to help answer the record volume of calls.”
To be invested over four years, the funding will provide NSW with 1,858 extra paramedics, 210 ambulance support staff, 52 nurses and eight doctors.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the Government will continue its record spending on ambulance infrastructure, so the larger workforce has access to the best facilities.
“NSW Ambulance, the Health Services Union and the NSW Government have worked collaboratively ensuring we get the right number of paramedics, in the right places when and where needed,” he said.
“This massive boost to paramedics we believe will make a positive difference.”
The Central Coast stations will be two of eight to be provided in the next year, with 22 more to come over the following three years.
Minister for Regional Health, Bronnie Taylor, said the investment in ambulance infrastructure and workforce is especially good news for those living in regional and rural areas.
“This funding will bring more jobs to the regions, provide a nicer working environment for local paramedics and most importantly, help us to save lives,” Taylor said.
Treasurer, Matt Kean, said the pandemic has made it clear continued investment in frontline healthcare workers is crucial.
Source:
Media release, Jun 5
NSW Government
Where? The old police station site at Kincumber, next to the 7/11?