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 Cairns Michael Healy said Cairns locals can be reassured the Palaszczuk Government is continuing to boost frontline resources to assist patients who've contracted the virus.
"Our healthcare workers are literally at the coal face of our fight against this pandemic," Mr Healy said.
"Which is why we have already deployed an extra two paramedics for the Cairns region."
Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the addition to the workforce will help cater for an increase in demand for health care in Cairns.
"Unfortunately, we know the number of cases will continue to rise over the coming weeks which is why we've fast-tracked paramedic training, to get extra sets of hands into Queensland communities," Mr Pitt said.
"Two new graduates have already started, and an extra four will commence training later this month and be on the road in a matter of weeks."
Member for Barron River Craig Crawford 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."
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said North Queenslanders can be confident the Palaszczuk Government is doing everything it can to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to more rural and remote areas.
"Our health heroes on the front line are looking out for your neighbours and your loved ones.
"By boosting the work force means we can continue to deliver care even when the demand increases."
Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said 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.
