- Paid paramedics based in Carnarvon for the first time
- Sub Centre to operate new hybrid paramedic model to further support the volunteer base
- Delivers on the Cook Labor Government's commitment to boost ambulance response capabilities in the bush
Carnarvon is now home to two paid paramedics for the first time thanks to a modernised agreement between the Cook Labor Government and St John Western Australia.
The new paramedics form part of the Government's broader commitment to boosting ambulance response capabilities in the bush.
As part of this implementation, the Carnarvon Sub Centre will also transition to a hybrid paramedic model to have a mix of paid paramedics and volunteer ambulance officers.
The model - which is already in place in other areas like Harvey and Esperance - will deliver more consistent response times and provide more support to the highly dedicated local volunteer ambulance officers and broader community.
The additional paramedics have been funded as part of the State Government's modernised contract with St John WA which has seen sub centres increased to 43 FTEacross the State.
As part of this, Albany, Geraldton, Broome, and Jurien Bay have already been boosted with extra paramedics.
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"Carnarvon is the latest community to benefit from paid paramedics, with additional paramedics already in place at Albany, Geraldton, Broome and Jurien Bay.
"These paid ambulance paramedics have now been deployed to support their community and will bolster the great work being done by local volunteers.
"The additional paramedics also mean we can transition the existing sub centre into a hybrid model - delivering consistent response times and easing the pressure on the volunteer base.
"This is part of our government's commitment to ensuring communities across Western Australia can access the healthcare they need."
As stated by Gascoyne Minister Hannah Beazley:
"As the Minister for the Gascoyne, I welcome the boost to ambulance response capabilities in the region, and having those capabilities based in Carnarvon.
"This is an example of the Cook Labor Government delivering important services in the Gascoyne to support a high quality of life for all Western Australians, no matter where they live."
