New paramedics start under $1.76 billion investment
More than 100 newly qualified paramedics have joined NSW Ambulance this week as part of the NSW Government’s record $1.76 billion boost to frontline emergency care.
Treasurer Matt Kean said he was thrilled to see 102 university graduate paramedics start their six-week induction course at the new NSW Ambulance headquarters at Homebush ahead of a 12-month internship.
“This new wave of recruits joins more than 6,500 NSW Ambulance staff. Thanks to the NSW Government’s record $1.76 billion investment in frontline emergency care under the 2022-23 NSW Budget, this will make NSW the largest paramedic workforce in Australia,” Mr Kean said.
“The NSW Government is investing in more than 2,128 FTE NSW Ambulance staff over the next four years as we strengthen frontlines services to ensure people have access to emergency care across the state.
“After a very tough couple of years with COVID-19, we are increasing the capacity of available paramedics to respond to patients, as well as support staff to answer the record volume of calls.”
The NSW Government has invested more than $10 billion in NSW Ambulance since 2011. The latest paramedic recruits will be deployed where they are most needed in both metropolitan and regional areas.
“We’re making record investments in the NSW Ambulance workforce and its infrastructure with another 30 stations also opening as part of the $1.76 billion commitment,” Mr Kean said.
“Our strong economic management means we can deliver a brighter future for NSW families by ensuring the very best emergency care is available to them when they need it.”
Offers to a further 50 paramedic graduates have already been made. They are set to commence in the coming months, with further recruitment ongoing.
Across the next four years, 1,858 paramedics will be funded as well as 210 ambulance support staff, 52 nurses and eight doctors.
The NSW Government will also deliver 30 new stations including at Warilla, Kincumber, Lisarow, Gateshead, Swansea, Cherrybrook, Raby and Narellan in the coming year, with 22 more stations to come over the following three years.
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