The border community of Wentworth is now benefiting from a boost to frontline emergency care, with an additional eight paramedics starting work in the community earlier this month.
These additional paramedics are based at Wentworth Ambulance Station and are delivering emergency and out-of-hospital care across the far southwest of the state, contributing to NSW Ambulance's highly mobile workforce.
This increase in clinical staffing forms part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to rural, regional and remote areas through the Regional 500 initiative.
The cohort is part of the third intake of 125 paramedics planned for regional NSW as part of the regional 500 initiative. They join the 125 paramedics who commenced across the state last year, and another 125 who began work in 2024.
Under this initiative, an additional 33 paramedics are already working across the Central and Far West Zone zone, including an extra 18 paramedics for Broken Hill started working in the community in 2024.
The Minns Government will continue to roll out the additional 500 paramedics for regional NSW next year, with future locations determined through NSW Ambulance's evidence-based, best practice service, and workforce planning, as well as consultation with staff and the Health Services Union.
This recruitment boost is part of Labor's long-term commitment to meaningful investments into our health workforce, relieving pressure on our health system and meeting the needs of our regional communities.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
"Communities in far south west NSW deserve confidence that emergency care is available when it's needed, no matter where they live.
"By increasing paramedic numbers in Wentworth, we're improving access to care across a vast border region while continuing to strengthen emergency health services in regional and remote NSW.
"The Coalition has criticised the Government for hiring too many health workers, but Labor understands that a supported and empowered workforce means better health outcomes for our community."
Quotes attributable to Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:
"For communities like Wentworth, having paramedics ready to respond locally can make a critical difference in a medical emergency.
"These eight additional paramedics will strengthen response capability across the far south west, helping ensure people receive timely care when it matters most."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Murray, Bob Nanva:
"Paramedics are true local heroes - it's great to see another 8 paramedics based in Wentworth and serving the Riverina region.
"I congratulate the local community and the Health Services Union (HSU) for their strong advocacy around the need for additional paramedics in Wentworth."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:
"Adding eight additional paramedics in Wentworth strengthens our ability to respond across a large and remote regional area, supporting communities along the border.
"This additional workforce capacity helps our crews respond from one patient to the next as demand -rises, ensuring timely and reliable emergency care across the community."
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