Doubts over Coalition paramedic promise for Daylesford
RACHEL AFFLICK
22 Dec, 2010 01:00 AM
THE Coalition's election promise to fund two additional paramedics to Daylesford must be implemented as soon as possible, Ambulance Employees Australia secretary Steve McGhie said.
Just days before last month's state election, Liberal candidate Ben Taylor said if the Coalition came to power, it would
increase the number of paramedics at the new ambulance station from two to four.
Ballarat East MLA Geoff Howard last Wednesday wrote to Mr Davis seeking advice about when the Coalition's commitment would be honoured
"
The former Labor Government of course built a new ambulance station
and this was done with the expectation of being able to increase the number of ambulance staff at Daylesford in the near future.
"Now, with the change of government, we want to ensure that the very clear commitment made ahead of the last election is honoured, and is honoured as quickly as possible.
"The summer period is clearly one where there can be higher visitor levels to Daylesford and Hepburn"
"The level of demand for ambulance services can also be increased and it will therefore be appropriate to ensure that at the earliest possible occasion the additional ambulance officers promised by the new government will be put in place"
But there has been no confirmation from Health Minister David Davis on when the commitment will be fulfilled.
"We will deploy these additional paramedics as they become available and based on clinical need"
http://www.hepburnadvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/doubts-over-coalition-...