more paramedics to boost services in grafton and tweed
Patients across Northern NSW are set to benefit from an increase in frontline emergency care, with additional paramedics deployed to Grafton and Tweed Heads as part of a statewide workforce expansion.
A total of 20 new paramedics have been added across the region, including six based at Grafton Ambulance Station and 14 at Tweed Heads, strengthening emergency response capacity across the North Coast.
State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson said the six new paramedics in Grafton build on recent gains, with seven additional paramedics allocated to the Lower Clarence region 12 months ago.
“Healthcare has been a key focus of mine since being elected as the Member for Clarence, and I have long been advocating for more paramedics in our region,” Mr Williamson said.
“This is another strong step forward for our community and a clear win for local families who rely on timely emergency care.
“I look forward to welcoming the new paramedics to the region and the positive impact their arrival would have on local health services.”
The additional staff form part of the Minns Government’s commitment to deliver 500 extra paramedics to rural and regional areas, with this intake marking the third stage of the rollout. Across Northern NSW, 44 paramedics have now commenced under the initiative.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said the expansion is aimed at strengthening emergency health services in regional communities.
“The Minns Government is strengthening emergency health services in regional communities by adding more paramedics to the frontline,” Mr Park said.
“After 12 years of neglect by the Coalition, we are focused on rebuilding the health workforce that keeps our essential services running.
“These extra 20 paramedics in Northern NSW are helping to ensure the local community receives optimal, high-quality care when they need it most.”
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said the additional staff would provide vital support to local crews.
“Our local paramedics do an incredible job under pressure, and these new recruits will provide them with vital support,” Ms Saffin said.
“Adding 14 paramedics to Tweed Heads and 6 to Grafton provides a significant boost to our local emergency response, giving families the peace of mind that help is close at hand when they need it most.”
Labor spokesperson for Tweed and Clarence Emily Suvaal said the increase would improve access to care across the region.
“Having 14 new paramedics join the team at Tweed Heads and another 6 at Grafton is making a real difference for patients across Northern NSW,” Ms Suvaal said.
“This investment reflects our commitment to improving access to emergency healthcare for rural and regional communities by expanding our workforce.”
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dominic Morgan said the additional paramedics would help meet growing demand.
“Expanding our paramedic workforce at Tweed Heads and Grafton enhances our capacity to respond to emergencies and provide greater support to teams across regional NSW,” Dr Morgan said.
“With demand for ambulance services continuing to grow, these additional resources help us continue to deliver a high level of care for the community.”
Mr Williamson said further improvements are still needed in the Clarence Valley, including calls for an upgrade to the Grafton Ambulance Station and increased access to Intensive Care Paramedics.
“I have stood with local paramedics in support of their e-petition calling on the Minns Labor Government to upgrade the Grafton Ambulance Station from a Category B to a Category A station,” he said.
“Such an upgrade would increase staffing to 12 Intensive Care Paramedic positions and ensure 24/7 ICP coverage across the entire Clarence Valley.”
He also raised concerns about the condition of the current Prince Street facility.
“The station is in poor condition, with parts of the building currently off-limits to paramedics due to mould and asbestos,” Mr Williamson said.
“I will continue to advocate strongly for funding to repair and upgrade this vital facility to ensure our paramedics have a safe and fit-for-purpose workplace.”
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