20 extra ambulance officers for Central region

Twenty extra ambulance officers will be appointed to boost services in the Central region this financial year, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said today.

During Parliamentary Estimates hearings today, Mr Roberts said the allocation to the Central region, which stretches from Airlie Beach in the north to Gladstone and out to Winton, was on top of the 17 extra officers the area received last financial year.

“The Queensland Government has provided $18.3 million funding for the recruitment of 250 additional ambulance officers in 2007-08, on top of the 255 officers recruited in 2008-09,” Mr Roberts said.

“Almost 70 of the 250 extra officers have been recruited so far, and today I can announce that 20 additional officers will be heading for stations in the Central region.”

“It will mean an extra 37 ambulance officers have been allocated for Central region ambulance stations over two years (2006-07 and 2007-08).”

Mr Roberts said the QAS determined the allocation of its staff based on operational needs.

“Across Queensland, the QAS provided 879,134 responses to incidents in 2007-08, up 7.66% on 2006-07.

“There was also a 9.48% increase in responses to urgent cases.

“The Bligh Government is planning for and managing growth by providing more staff and more resources to the ambulance service than ever before.”

Mr Roberts said there were significant demand increases in the Central region.

“In 2007-08, the QAS provided 64,845 responses to incidents, including 49,329 responses to Code one and two cases, which is a 5.02% increase for urgent or life-threatening cases.”

“In addition, three full-time equivalent Emergency Medical Dispatcher positions will be allocated across the State.”

Of the 250 new officers, five remain unallocated in order for the QAS to strategically deploy extra officers throughout the year meet operational needs.

Mr Roberts said the QAS sets the highest standards for recruitment.

“These new recruits will be joining one of the best ambulance services in this country,” he said.

“A patient satisfaction rating of above 97% tells a story in itself, while once again this year paramedics have taken out the prestigious ’Most Trusted Profession’ poll in Reader’s Digest magazine.”

“The State Government has now provided funding for 505 additional ambulance officers and 285 new vehicles over two years.”

“This is an unprecedented investment in the Queensland Ambulance Service.”

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