New paramedics boost ambulance services in the Wheatbelt and Pilbara

Eight additional paid paramedics are being introduced to towns in the Wheatbelt and Pilbara to further strengthen country ambulance services and support volunteers.

This fulfils the State Government’s $10 million announcement in May to recruit 25 more paid paramedics to country WA.

Additional investment in the paramedic workforce provides greater support to country volunteers and paramedics which, in turn, improves health outcomes for patients.

Kylie Bosich, Director WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Command Centre, said since May this year, the Country Ambulance Strategy - Striving for Equity in Country WA has seen 17 additional paid paramedics recruited across country WA, with the final eight to be located in Newman, Merredin and Narrogin. 

“These locations were carefully selected following research and analysis on ambulance and health service activity and performance,” Ms Bosich said.  

“Three paramedics will be employed in Newman, complementing the local hospital’s $61.4 million redevelopment, which includes a $15 million contribution from BHP WA Iron Ore, and recognises growth in Newman and surrounding areas.

“The eastern Wheatbelt will also benefit from the addition of two and a half full-time equivalent paid paramedics located in Merredin, providing support to local ambulance volunteers and offering paramedic services to surrounding areas including Southern Cross.

“Investment in a further two and a half full-time equivalent paramedics will be seen in the southern Wheatbelt, close by to WACHS’s Narrogin Health Service,” Ms Bosich added.

This investment ensures further enhancement of country ambulance services and supports the sustainability of the volunteer model.

“The volunteer model is a strong one, it brings communities together, and I cannot thank local volunteers enough for dedicating their time and experience to the needs of their communities.

“The paid paramedics will bolster volunteer’s good work, help with ambulance response and provide greater support to communities who need it most.”

The new paid paramedics are expected to commence in quarter four 2021.

New solutions are also currently being explored to improve how non-urgent patients are transferred between hospitals as well as how further investment in transport for mental health patients and community members will benefit regional WA.