Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Health
Tasmania's North East now has access to expanded paramedic and volunteer ambulance coverage with a new single branch station fully operational at Bridport.
A paramedic and a Volunteer Ambulance Officer (VAO) will work together as a single crew, providing much-needed care and assistance to the community.
Previously, the region relied on a single branch station at Scottsdale, which provided service to the entire area between George Town and St Helens, and has seen a steady increase in demand.
The addition of this station delivers on a key commitment from the 2021 State Election to fund two paramedic positions for the new North East station to ease the workload of our Scottsdale crews.
The popular holiday town of Bridport was identified as the best location to meet the needs of the North East community with growth predictions by Dorset Council indicating a doubling in the town's population by 2050.
Ambulance Tasmania is seeking enthusiastic volunteers in Bridport to join and support their community through this exciting new service.
Anyone who is interested can talk to the paramedics located at the Bridport Community Centre office or contact regional headquarters in Launceston on 6777 1450.
This is yet another example that the Tasmanian Liberal Government is investing in the infrastructure Ambulance Tasmania needs to meet the growing demand for services in the community.
As well as delivering for Bridport, the 2022-23 Budget fully funds the 48 additional paramedics announced at the 2021 State Election. I'm excited to report that we have now recruited for all 48 positions with the last two contracts issued for Campbell Town.
Our Government is successfully delivering resources and recruiting more staff to regional areas, ensuring all Tasmanians receive the right care, at the right place, at the right time as we strengthen Tasmania's future.
