Additional Ambulance Bound for Maitland

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

The state government has announced an additional Ambulance module will join the ranks at Maitland before the end of the year.

The module, consisting 12 paramedics and an additional primary care transport vehicle, will be based at the new Rutherford Ambulance Station expected to open before Christmas.

The allocation means two transport vehicles and the Ambulance Rescue truck will operate from the station during the day shift, providing more resources for residents throughout the morning.

After years of advocating for the issue, Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison has welcomed the government's announcement and labeled it a win for the community.

"I would like to particularly thank Mr Michael Johnson of Rutherford, who has been advocating for more ambulance resources since before I was elected in March 2015," said Ms Aitchison.

"This win is a great credit to his tenacity and I am so pleased that we have been able to achieve these vital services for our community."

Recruitment of the new paramedics is expected to begin within days.

Image: NSW Ambulance

Rutherford Ambulance Station Theft

BY IAN CROUCH

A Telarah man is due to front court today accused of stealing from the Rutherford Ambulance Station.

It's alleged the 38-year-old walked into the station at about 6 last night and hopped into one of the ambulances.

A paramedic noticed him and called police before he could get away.

It's alleged he also stole two medical bags containing equipment from the same station last Sunday - the bags with the equipment still inside was later found abandoned at Hamilton Railway Station.

Police believe the man was looking for drugs - they say a small amount of cannabis was also found in his possession.

The man's been refused bail to face Maitland Local Court today charged with entering building with intent to commit indictable offence, drug possession and stealing.