Fleet of ambulances to be replaced by sophisticated paramedic outfitted vehicles

The Health Ministry will shortly be phasing out its fleet of ambulances and replacing them with sophisticated paramedic outfitted vehicles.

Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Alexander O’Connor highlighted this in parliament today.  

O’Connor says these will be manned by professionally trained paramedic nurses and drivers prepared to provide high quality care in a variety of situations from mines and remote locations, workplace and occupational injuries and illnesses, sporting and special event incidents, to inter-facility non-emergency transportation.

O’Connor says we now have more doctors and nurses recruited than ever before in our medical history and they are now better remunerated.

He says the doctor to patient ratio is improving and funding for supply for essential drugs and consumables has been increased.

O’Connor also says that the Ministry greatly supports the increase in tax on tobacco, alcohol, sugary additives and carbonated drinks to encourage healthy food choices and the 10 cents plastic levy will add to a cleaner environment.