Will Hodgman ignoring Deloraine ambulance volunteers concerned about coverage

Will Hodgman is ignoring the concerns of ambulance volunteers and the Deloraine community over changes to the Deloraine Ambulance Station which could leave the town with less ambulance coverage.

Ambulance Volunteers in Deloraine have called on the Hodgman Minority Government to put a halt to any decision about changes to the Deloraine Station until they conduct a review into the potential negative consequences of making Deloraine a Double Branch station.

Labor Leader Rebecca White said Will Hodgman was failing to listen to the community.

“The community is worried that the amount of time ambulances are already spending out of Deloraine, either ramped at the LGH or responding to other calls outside their region, will worsen under the changes and leave Deloraine with no local ambulance response,” Ms White said.

“Already this year, the Deloraine ambulance has been sent to cover jobs in Launceston and Devonport on multiple occasions due to chronic ambulance ramping at the hospital. Each time this happens, the Deloraine community is left without a local ambulance response.

“The community is outraged with more than 1000 locals already signing a petition calling on the Government to halt its plan and properly consult with the community and volunteers.

“The situation is so bad that hard working volunteers, many who have dedicated more than a decade each to helping their local community, are threatening to quit.

“Labor is calling on Will Hodgman to listen to the community, halt these ill-advised plans and make sure the knowledge of Deloraine ambulance volunteers is respected before any changes to services are made.”

Rebecca White MP

Labor Leader