Increased government funding in the ACT Budget will mean more behind-the-scenes capability of the ACT Ambulance Service to support growing frontline demand. Photo: File.
The ACT Government will inject $15.2 million over four years into a revamped ACT Ambulance Service as part of the Budget on 5 October, 2021.
A new service model is being rolled out during the coming years and this funding will go to modernising the ACT Ambulance Service and extra behind-the-scenes capability to support growing frontline demand.
The government says the aim is to improve the emergency triple-zero triage process and procedures, and add specialised response capabilities such as infections control.
The funding will pay for new paramedic duty officers; triple-zero communications centre staff members; an infection control officer; a research and data management officer; an information and communications technology (ICT) connectivity support officer; and a transformation and capability development team.
The ACT Ambulance Service fleet is also being modernised to meet the government’s emissions reduction targets, with the acquisition of five new low-emissions vehicles.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the Territory has experienced a growth in demand for emergency services, particularly in mental health and primary healthcare.
“Increasing our ambulance service capability will ensure the community continues to receive efficient and safe triage, dispatch and referrals,” he said.
Mr Barr said the five new low-emissions vehicles in the ambulance fleet will also contribute to the government’s target for a net zero emissions ACT by 2045.
ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said the new funding builds on the ongoing work with staff, the Transport Workers Union, and ACT Emergency Services Agency to improve and modernise the ambulance service.
“This work is ongoing and will be delivered during the coming years, ensuring we continue to have one of the best ambulance services in the country,” he said.
“Bolstering behind-the-scenes capabilities helps paramedics on the road and ensures Canberrans continue to receive high-quality service in some of their most difficult times.
“I want to thank all our emergency services staff who do a wonderful job looking after Canberrans, often in challenging circumstances.”
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