The fight against COVID-19 continues with additional Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) officers fast-tracked into Queensland communities to assist in the pandemic response.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said our region can be reassured the Palaszczuk Government is continuing to boost frontline resources to assist patients who've contracted the virus.
"Our healthcare workers are on the front line fighting against this pandemic to help protect our community," Ms Gilbert said.
"Which is why we have already deployed an extra six paramedics in Mackay."
"Unfortunately, we know the number of cases will continue to rise over the coming weeks which is why we've fast-tracking paramedic training, to get extra sets of hands into Queensland communities.
"The addition to the workforce will help cater for an increase in demand for health care in Mackay."
Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said our ambulance officers are playing a big role in identifying potential COVID-19 cases and getting patients to facilities where they can be tested, and isolated and treated as required.
"By adding extra staff to the workforce we are ensuring we have the capacity in the health system to support Queenslanders should they need it.
"An additional 60 new graduates will begin training later this month.
"The graduates will be deployed within three weeks of their induction to assist with the pandemic response across the State.
"The majority will be placed in the South East corner of the state depending on where the demand is."
QAS Triple Zero (000) Operations Centres will also get a boost, with an additional 15 Emergency Medical Dispatchers to begin training on 27 April 2020.
QAS Commissioner Russell Bowles said planning for an expected surge in workload had been ongoing since January.
"We're well versed at preparing for and responding to major events and while this pandemic is something new we're confident we have the plans in place to meet community demand," Commissioner Bowles said.
