A fleet of 89 new state-of-the-art ambulances will be rolled out to communities across NSW as part of a $17 million funding boost from the NSW Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new fleet will bring provide additional capacity across the state and ensure the health system can deal with any potential surge in COVID-19 cases.
“This is another step we are taking to ensure our health system is prepared for any spike in COVID-19 cases, especially as we ease restrictions and head into winter,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The manufacture of the 89 extra ambulances is well underway and we expect to have them on road within weeks, in regional and metropolitan communities across the state.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the $17 million investment also delivers additional medical supplies including upgraded life-saving defibrillators.
“The package will provide extra defibrillators with features previously only available in acute care environments, as well as critical airway equipment such as Laryngoscopes used for the intubation of seriously ill patients,” Mr Hazzard said.
“This new fleet follows the graduation of 467 new paramedic recruits who will now join NSW Ambulance’s incredible frontline troops who come to our aid and save our lives when we need them the most.”
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said the new fleet and additional paramedics will go a long way to helping us meet the demands of the community during these extraordinary times.
“We are one of the largest ambulance services in the world and this boost to our workforce gives us new strength and support to our very valuable frontline workforce,” Dr Morgan said.
The allocation of new ambulances is currently being finalised, with priority being given to areas experiencing a higher demand for services.
The $17 million is part of the NSW Government’s $800 million investment to boost ICU capacity and purchase additional services and medical equipment.
