THE State Government plans to build a new ambulance station on King Island as part of a paramedic recruitment drive.
Health Minister Guy Barnett did not confirm that a paramedic or community paramedic would be deployed or recruited for King Island. However, he said to accommodate extra paramedics, and meet community demand, the government will build a further four new ambulance stations at King Island, Legana, Cygnet and Snug.
During the election campaign the Liberals’ announced that they will recruit a total of 78 new paramedics – 51 new full-time paramedics over the next two years, and 27 community paramedics over the next four years.
“We are getting straight back to work by re-doubling our recruitment efforts so that we can bolster our paramedic workforce, and ensure Tasmanians can receive the care they need, sooner,” Mr Barnett said.
“As Minister, I have tasked the Department to immediately commence planning for the recruitment blitz, including advertisements nationally, and internationally.
“Our Government has made it clear that we will provide the resources necessary to improve patient flow throughout our hospitals, starting with more paramedics.
“Funding to Ambulance Tasmania has tripled and we have employed an additional 220 paramedics and dispatch officers.
“Our paramedics are real-life heroes who can be the difference between life and death,” he said.