More paramedics, better tech and station upgrades in Ambulance budget

An extra 100 ambulance officers and 85 new and replacement ambulance vehicles will be rolled out across Queensland thanks to a record $800 million Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) budget.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the Ambulance budget - an $80.7 million increase on last year – was part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to delivering the best possible healthcare to Queenslanders.

“Our paramedics are on the frontline of providing urgent healthcare to Queenslanders. That’s why we’re making sure they have the resources and staff they need to deliver this incredibly important service,” Mr Miles said.

“We’re investing in 100 extra ambulance officers and 85 new and replacement ambulance vehicles.  

“We’re also investing $4.9 million to build new ambulance stations at Hervey Bay, Drayton and Yarrabilba and replacement stations at Kirwan and Mareeba, as well as redevelopments at Southport, Rockhampton and Cairns Ambulance Stations – including the Operations Centres at those locations.

“To improve functionality and amenities and prolong the useful life at various existing stations we’ve set aside $5.5 million and a further $1.5 million for the acquisition of strategically located land to accommodate the future expansion of services in identified growth areas.

“We’re investing $4.7 million to replace defibrillators, new satellite push-to-talk radios for enhanced communication technology and ongoing upgrade of generators for operational business continuity.

“The survival rate of a patient greatly increases if a defibrillator is available, so there’s no doubt this multi-million-dollar boost will save more lives.

“We’re also making a $866,000 investment in information and communication technology, including software development projects to enhance patient care and service delivery.” 

Mr Miles said the $800 million 2018-19 QAS budget was 11.2 per cent more than last years, almost doubling the previous year’s increase of 6.9 per cent.

“This budget sets the QAS up for future demand and supports the vital role our ambulance service plays in serving Queenslanders,” he said. 

“All new vehicles will continue to be rolled out with new power assisted stretchers, which we know are a great help for our paramedics and their patients. The stretchers reduce the strain on paramedics’ bodies and help to reduce the risk of manual handling injuries.

“Our paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers and patient transport officers work tirelessly to provide emergency care to Queenslanders. 

“They do a tremendous job of looking after the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders, and this budget shows the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to supporting our frontline workers and investing in world-class health care.” 

 The 2018-19 State Budget includes the following for QAS:

• $400,000 in 2018-19 out of a $1.8 million total spend to construct a replacement ambulance station in Mareeba to provide a purpose-built facility to support the growing demand for services in this region.
• $300,000 in 2018-19 out of a $4.6 million total spend to construct a new ambulance station in Hervey Bay to support the existing station and to provide additional capacity to service the local and surrounding communities.
• $200,000 in 2018-19 out of a $4.6 million total spend for the construction of a new ambulance station in Yarrabilba to support the increasing demand for services in the South-East Queensland western corridor.
• $1.3 million in 2018-19 out of a $5 million total spend to refurbish the Rockhampton Ambulance Station and Operations Centre.
• $200,000 in 2018-19 out of a $6.2 million total spend to commence planning for the replacement of the existing Gold Coast Ambulance Operations Centre.
• $350,000 in 2018-19 out of a $5 million total spend to construct a replacement ambulance station in Kirwan to provide a purpose-built facility to support the growing demand for services in this region.
• $900,000 in 2018-19 out of a $5.6 million total spend for the redevelopment of the Cairns Ambulance Station and Operations Centre to better meet the growing demand for ambulance services in the region.
• $1.2 million in 2018-19 out of a $4.6 million total spend for the planning and construction of a new ambulance station at Drayton.

ENDS

Media contact: Katharine Wright – 0428 957 903