While work on Maitland's new $3.8million ambulance station is progressing well, Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison has expressed concern there were no additional road ambulances to operate from it.
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Work on the new station, administration centre and training hub on Aberglasslyn Road is now well underway.
Ms Aitchison said the state was spending big bucks on a new state-of-the-art facility but worried there weren't enough ambulances to cater for the city's growing population.
"People who are sick or injured will have to wait for paramedics from Beresfield, Kurri, Dungog, Raymond Terrace or Singleton to reach them if the Rutherford crew is unavailable," she said.
Ms Aitchison said this was something she would continue to advocate for if she is re-elected, regardless of which party wins the next election.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said the new station being built to accommodate seven emergency vehicles. "Allocation of staff and resources is determined by operational staff, not politicians. Public safety comes first," he said.
"The NSW Liberal National Government is undertaking a $122million program of upgrading rural stations and the State has committed to an additional 750 paramedics and call centre staff.
A Health Infrastructure spokesperson said earthworks are underway with concrete slabs, framework, roof and cladding to follow. Completion is scheduled for later this year.
Ms Aitchison said Health Services Union information shows Maitland remains under resourced. "We have one ambulance for a population of 81,235, yet Raymond Terrace has the equivalent of six ambulances to respond to 71,716 people - approximately one ambulance for every 12,000 people."