Station officer Katie Nguyen with paramedic Lesley-Anne, one of the eight additional paramedics for Eden. Photo: NSW Health.
The Far South Coast is benefiting from a boost to frontline emergency care, with an additional eight paramedics starting work in the region.
The extra paramedics are based at Eden Ambulance Station and are helping to deliver emergency and out-of-hospital care along the coast, contributing to NSW Ambulance’s highly mobile workforce.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the increase in clinical staffing formed part of the State Government’s commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to rural, regional and remote areas through the Regional 500 initiative.
These additional paramedics are on top of 17 additional paramedics who started at Cooma Ambulance Station on 16 May.
“The Minns Government will continue to roll out the additional 500 paramedics for regional NSW next year, with future locations determined through NSW Ambulance’s evidence-based, best practice service, and workforce planning, as well as consultation with staff and the Health Services Union,” he said.
“This recruitment boost is part of Labor’s long-term commitment to meaningful investments into our health workforce, relieving pressure on our health system and meeting the needs of our regional communities.”
The cohort is part of the third intake of 125 paramedics planned for regional NSW as part of the regional 500 initiative. They join the 125 paramedics who commenced across the state last year, and another 125 who began work in 2024.
Under this initiative, an additional 34 paramedics are already working across the Southern NSW zone.
“This investment in our regional paramedic workforce is about ensuring people on the Far South Coast can access high-quality emergency care, no matter where they live. It’s a practical step toward delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health and Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said.
“Far South Coast communities deserve confidence that emergency care is available when and where it’s needed.”
NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech said strengthening the paramedic workforce in and around Eden enhanced their ability to respond across a large and diverse regional area.
“With demand for ambulance services continuing to rise, this additional capacity helps ensure our teams can continue providing safe, timely care for the community,” she said.
