A collaboration between NSW Ambulance and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) is helping local patient care rates while easing pressure on emergency departments (EDs).
Since the deployment of two additional Extended Care Paramedic (ECP) vehicles on 7 March, the region has seen a 142% increase in the number of patients safely managed in the community rather than transported to hospital.
With two additional specialist vehicles in operation, ECPs attended to 520 patients, helping 201 of those avoid an emergency department presentation. During the same period in 2025, the two existing ECP vehicles attended to 310 patients in the region, helping 83 avoid the ED, said Health Minister, Ryan Park.
“Extended Care Paramedics are making a real and measurable difference for patients and for our hospitals,” said Mr Park.
“This pilot is the next step in strengthening the care we provide outside hospital walls, ensuring people get the right care in the right place while easing pressure on our frontline EDs.”
ECPs are highly trained paramedics with additional skills to assess and treat patients with low acuity conditions suitable for alternative clinical pathways to an emergency department.
A new joint pilot between NSW Ambulance and ISLHD launched from 30 May aims to further increase the proportion of Triple Zero (000) patients who can receive safe care while avoiding a trip to the ED.
The pilot tests enhancements to the existing ECP model, including providing ECPs access to ISLHD patient medical records and care plans.
“This partnership is already transforming the way care is delivered across our district, providing the right care, in the right place,” said Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Executive Director, Clinical Operations, Marg Martin.
“By connecting Extended Care Paramedics with improved clinical information, streamlined referral pathways and stronger links to our community services, we can support more patients to receive high quality care without needing to go to hospital.
“This pilot will deepen service integration and help us build a more connected, responsive and sustainable system for our community.”
ECPs are now also able to provide new non-emergency transport options and new referral pathways for patients.
NSW Ambulance has also strengthened support for the region through its Virtual Clinical Care Centre (VCCC), which has increased monitoring of the Illawarra Shoalhaven region since February.
The VCCC enables experienced clinicians to remotely assess suitable patients and, when appropriate, connect them with alternative care options such as a general practitioner, pharmacist or community health service. This ensures patients receive care from the most appropriate provider while preserving frontline ambulance crews for emergencies.
“Our partnership with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District is delivering real benefits for patients and for the health system,” said NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive, Clare Beech.
“With four Extended Care Paramedic vehicles now operating in the region, we’re attending more incidents and avoiding more unnecessary transports than ever before.
“The upcoming pilot will give our teams, and our ISLHD partners, better tools, information and pathways to make the safest clinical decisions for every patient. It’s about smarter use of our resources and delivering care that truly meets people’s needs.”
