The Pilbara will gain three ambulance officers to bolster regional health outcomes

The Pilbara will receive a boost to its ambulance services with an additional three paramedics employed in Newman as part of a State grant to sustain country medical services. Newman in the East Pilbara as well as Merredin and Narrogin in the Wheatbelt will gain eight officers to support the ongoing work of local volunteers. It comes as part of the State’s Country Ambulance Strategy which has welcomed an extra 17 paid paramedics to regional WA at a cost of $10 million. Additional officers in Newman will complement the $61.4 million redevelopment of Newman Hospital, with an additional $15 million contribution from BHP. Locations were selected following research and analysis of local ambulance activity and performance. Paid paramedics are expected to start work by the end of the year. State Health Minister Roger Cook said the investment would strengthen local services and ensure the sustainability of the volunteer model. “The volunteer model is a strong one, it brings communities together, and I cannot thank the volunteers enough for dedicating their time and experience to the needs of their communities,” he said. “The paid paramedics will bolster volunteers’ good work, help improve the ambulance response and provide greater support to communities who need it most. “During the WA country ambulance strategy’s first phase, the McGowan Government invested $3.6 million for six new ambulances and paid paramedics in the Kimberley.” Twenty five paramedics are expected to be employed across the regions as part of the initiative to improve health outcomes for patients.