A shortage of specialist paramedics in regional New South Wales (NSW) and location limits that bar front-line responders from retaining their qualifications, if transferred regionally, are bringing the hospital system to breaking point, their union says.
The Australian Paramedics Association of NSW said the government’s rejection of a recommendation to expand specialist paramedics across the state would mean many communities were unable to receive critical care, increasing avoidable hospitalisations.
Last week the NSW government revealed it either fully or partially supports 10 of 12 recommendations made by a parliamentary inquiry into emergency departments.
But it did not support allowing extended and intensive care paramedics to retain their qualifications if they transfer to a regional location, arguing not all locations have sufficient workload or activity to ensure paramedics can maintain specialist accreditation….