A boost to frontline emergency care is underway in Gunnedah, with 16 additional paramedics now on the road as part of a broader effort to strengthen regional health services.
The new recruits are based at Gunnedah Ambulance Station and will provide emergency and out-of-hospital care across the New England zone.
The rollout is part of the state government’s plan to deliver 500 extra paramedics to rural and regional areas.
The latest intake marks the third wave of hires under the initiative, following two earlier groups of 125 paramedics who began work across regional NSW over the past two years. In total, 44 new paramedics have now been deployed across the New England zone.
State Health Minister Ryan Park said the additional staff would help rebuild essential health services in the regions and improve
response times for communities like Gunnedah.
“These extra 16 paramedics in Gunnedah are helping to ensure the local community receives optimal, high-quality care when they need it most,” he said.
Labor spokesperson for the Tamworth electorate, Anthony D’Adam said the investment was already making a difference for patients across the region, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to emergency care can be limited.
“This investment reflects our commitment to improving access to emergency healthcare for rural and regional communities by expanding our workforce,” he said.
NSW Ambulance chief executive Dominic Morgan said the expansion would strengthen the service’s ability to respond to growing demand.
“With demand for ambulance services continuing to grow, these additional resources help us continue to deliver a high level of care for the community,” he said.
The government says the rollout of the remaining paramedics will continue next year, with future placements to be determined through workforce planning and consultation with staff and unions.
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