An additional 125 paramedics will begin working across regional NSW within the next few months, as part of a NSW Government commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to regional and rural areas.
The latest cohort of paramedics are the second group to join NSW Ambulance as part of the regional 500, with 125 paramedics starting work in regional NSW last year.
“This significant workforce increase is a major step forward in strengthening emergency care in regional NSW,” said NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan.
“Our paramedics are highly trained professionals dedicated to serving their communities, and this expansion will provide much-needed relief and support to our existing teams.
“As demand for services continues to grow, we remain focused on delivering exceptional emergency and mobile healthcare across NSW.”
Additional paramedics have joined existing NSW Ambulance teams at the following locations:
- Albury
- Dubbo
- Orange
- Wagga Wagga
- Yamba
NSW Ambulance is continuing consultation with staff and the Health Services Union to finalise the proposal for additional paramedics at the following locations:
- Young
- Deniliquin
- Moree
- Blayney
- Tamworth South
- Temora
This workforce boost is part of the Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team (SWIFT) Program, which is delivering 2,500 staff across NSW, including 500 paramedics for regional and rural areas, as well as 30 new stations to boost emergency and mobile healthcare for metropolitan and regional communities.
The Government will continue to roll out the additional 500 paramedics over a four-year period, with future locations determined through NSW Ambulance’s evidence based, best practice service and workforce planning as well as consultation with staff and Health Services Union.
In 2024, the Government announced Port Macquarie, South West Rocks, Lismore, Goulburn, Bathurst, Blayney, Lithgow, Mudgee, Parkes, Broken Hill and Ballina had received additional paramedics in the first tranche of the program to rollout 500 additional paramedics to the bush.
It is estimated the four-year Program will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families by providing a range of accommodation options.
“We promised the people of regional, rural and remote NSW we’d deliver them 500 new paramedics, and I am really proud that the second cohort is about to hit the road and take up new roles in the bush,” said Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park.
“These highly skilled paramedics will help drive better health outcomes for patients and their families, ensuring regional communities receive the same high-quality care as metropolitan areas.
“We are committed to investing in our frontline healthcare workforce to support our paramedics and provide better emergency services to the people of NSW,” he said.
