BY ISABEL EVERETT
Two new state of the art ambulance stations have been opened at Rutherford and Birmingham Gardens on Tuesday.
They will replace ageing facilities in the area and expand operations, with additional resources for training and logistics.
NSW Ambulance's, Jordan Emery, says the station at Birmingham Gardens means more paramedics for the community.
"We have 24 paramedics working out of here on a full time basis, and that means we operate two ambulance day shift crews, an afternoon shift crew, and a night shift crew."
"They work in a network right across Newcastle, with a whole lot of other resources and neighboring stations to provide the most timely ambulance response to the community."
Mr Martin said local paramedics were involved in designing the stations, which will better serve the needs of the community.
“The community can be assured that NSW Ambulance is committed to providing the best out-of-hospital clinical care to all patients across the region and throughout the state, even at times of high demand,” Mr Martin said.
The new purpose built stations feature:
- Internal parking for up to seven emergency ambulance vehicles
- Administration and office areas'
- Staff amenities
- Multi-purpose meeting & training room
- Logistics and storage areas
- Wash bays
- Staff parking
In addition, the new station at Rutherford features an education facility and zone management office area.
NSW Ambulance Assistant Commissioner Clare Lorenzen said the new facilities are crucial services for thousands of residents.
“This project is an important step in the delivery of high-quality mobile emergency care to the people of Birmingham Gardens, Rutherford and surrounding areas,” Ms Lorenzen said.
The Birmingham Gardens Facility
Parliamentary Secretary for Health Natasha Maclaren-Jones, Deputy Director of Clinical Operations NSW Ambulance Jordon Emery, NSW Ambulance Assistant Commissioner Clare Lorenzen, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin, Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery
