Health Minister says no to extra ambulance cover for Hay
BY TERTIA BUTCHER
Hay will not receive more ambulance vehicles and staff, despite a roll-out of 500 paramedics specifically for the bush and an increase in paramedics taking on a FIFO (fly in fly out) role.
This is according to the Minister for Health, Ryan Parker.
In contrast, Shadow Minister for Regional Health, Gurmesh Singh believes there are challenges in the ambulance system, specifically around rostering, and is advocating for a separate ministry dedicated to regional and rural health.
Hay Shire Council Mayor Carol Oataway and General Manager David Webb met with an adviser for Mr Park, Brendan Cutmore, and the Executive Director NSW Ambulance, Clare Beech during a visit to Sydney recently to further highlight the ambulance and health issues faced by the Hay community.
"The outcome of the meeting was that there was not going to be an extra ambulance crew assigned to Hay," Cr Oataway said.
"But they did agree to look at ways in improving patient transport so that the ambulance resources are not so stretched," the Mayor wrote in a report to Council.
In a letter to Cr Oataway, Mr Park said Hay has not been identified as a priority for increased service provision, relative to other locations.
"Dr Dominic Morgan, Chief Executive NSW Ambulance, has advised that NSW Ambulance conducts regular analysis of all locations in NSW to identify areas of growing demand for the prioritisation of resources.
"This includes using best practice modelling software that maps Trip Zero (000) calls to determine the most suitable location for emergency care.
"NSW Ambulance Service Planning regularly reviews identification of locations that should be prioritised for service enhancement.
"All NSW communities are assessed in a prioritisation process that includes population factors such as level, age, dispersion and projected growth.
"All ambulance services are within networks with escalation plans for obtaining clinical assistance for critically ill patients.
"The Hay community and surrounding areas are serviced by the Murrumbidgee zone.
"NSW Ambulance has received funding for 2500 staff and 30 new ambulance stations over the coming years in an investment to frontline emergency care under the Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team (SWIFT) program.
"As part of SWIFT, the Murrumbidgee zone has benefitted from an enhancement of 47 paramedics, including into Albury, Wagga Wagga and Deniliquin.
"During periods of high demand, New South Wales Ambulance can fluidly deploy resources to where they are needed most, helping deliver the best possible out-of-hospital care for the community."
