Rodney Stevens NSW Health Minister Ryan Park is remaining steadfast about rostering of Yamba Paramedics after the Member for Clarence Richie Williamson contacted him about the changes to begin on March 15. The changes were discussed at a community meeting at Yamba’s Wooli Street Hall last month, where the Yamba Community Ambulance Working Party (YCAWP) was formed, after concern raised that the Lower Clarence could see a reduction in ambulance services. The YCAWP contacted both Minister Park and Mr Williamson regarding the rostering changes. Mr Williamson said he understood how important the issue is to the local community, particularly given the growing population and the large number of older residents in the area, in documents provided to the CV Independent. “I recently met with the NSW Minister for Health and the Unions representing the paramedics to discuss these concerns,” he said. “The Minister has confirmed that Yamba Ambulance Station will soon receive seven additional paramedics, increasing the total number from five to twelve, which will allow for 24-hour on-duty coverage. “This is a significant improvement, ensuring a dedicated crew is available both day and night, rather than relying on an on-call night shift.” Mr Williamson ensured residents Yamba would not see reduced ambulance coverage. “While paramedics may occasionally be called to assist in other areas, this is a standard practice across NSW to ensure adequate coverage in emergencies. “However, Yamba will continue to be supported by paramedics from nearby stations when needed, ensuring that the community remains covered at all times.” Minister Park stated he would like to reassure the Yamba community that they can be assured there is adequate coverage in the region 24/7. “Under the Government’s initiative to employ an additional 500 regional paramedics, an additional 7 paramedics have been allocated to the Yamba Ambulance Station for this financial year,” he said. “NSW Ambulance is consulting with workers and their unions regarding rosters and on-call changes. “Currently the roster has one on-duty day shift and one on-call night shift. “Following the implementation of the additional staff, the proposed new roster will include one on-duty day shift crew and one on-duty night shift crew.” Minister Park said the new roster aims to reduce paramedic fatigue associated with on-call requirements and improve patient safety by increasing capacity to treat and transport patients with greater coverage across the 24 hour, 7-day-a-week roster period. The roster changes come following an Auditor General report into services delivered in June 2024, which Minister Park said showed NSW Ambulance’s service planning methodology contained detailed analysis of station and location demand projections, the staffing levels required to meet demand, models of care, specialty resources and infrastructure requirements. He said NSW Ambulance captures and monitors workforce metrics, such as overtime, shift extensions, and call-out utilisations, which it uses to assess the safety and experience of regional paramedics. “Recent investments in the regional paramedic workforce, such as the conversation of selected ambulance stations to a 24-hour roster, as opposed to an on-call roster, have reduced the number of on call shifts worked by paramedics, Minister Park said. “The reduction in on-call shifts has improved the working conditions of regional paramedics. “NSW Ambulance regularly reviews its service planning methodology to ensure it remains contemporary.”