First it was a new $3.8 million, state-of-the-art ambulance station for Maitland, now the city will receive four new paramedics.
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The four new officers are part of a pool of 20 centralised staff that have to date been based at Hamilton.
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison, who has been lobbying for more officers and more ambulance vehicles, announced the appointments this week.
The officers will start their shifts at Maitland on July 13.
Mrs Aitchison has been working with Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and representatives from NSW Ambulance for the additional paramedics.
"I am pleased Ambulance NSW planners accept that Maitland has a serious issue with paramedic and road ambulance numbers and have committed to base four new paramedics at Rutherford," she said.
"I understand that under the Statewide Workforce Enhancement Program, which will roll out during the next four years, a further 56 paramedics will be allocated to the broader Hunter area.
"I will continue to work with the Minister and NSW Ambulance to ensure our community is allocated enough paramedics and ambulance resources to keep our growing population safe.
"Although these paramedics have been historically funded for Maitland, they've been based in Hamilton and dispatched as required.
"These paramedics will now log on and off in Rutherford."
Ms Aitchison was optimistic that this signified a turning point in Maitland's ambulance crisis.
"During the meeting both the Minister and NSW Ambulance recognised that Maitland is a growth area that needs enhancement," she said.
"They have acknowledged that ambulance and paramedic services and numbers in our community are under review."
She raised concerns about inadequate staffing and a shortage of ambulance vehicles in March.
Ms Aitchison said the state was spending big bucks on the new station, which is expected to open at the end of the year, but was 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.
Mrs Aitchison has now ramped up her campaign for more emergency vehicles.
