Page 3686 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 23 November 2022
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system requiring paramedics to work two fourteen-hour night shifts in a row. Unfortunately because of the demands of the job, it is not just a 14-hour night shift. We find that paramedics are now working much longer to finish their work at the end of their shift. You cannot simply leave a patient at the end of your 14-hour shift.
You must be able to deliver the patient to the ED or help the patient through their illness. So we are working through a new roster system. The ESA Commissioner is on board with that change. Of course, it will be a challenge to do that extra recruiting. It will require quite a number of new paramedics and we do have the challenges
of other jurisdictions recruiting. I can say that it is a big challenge. For example,
the London ambulance service are offering people cash to go and work for the London ambulance service after their graduation for a number of years. It is very attractive for some of our paramedics. So we are working with the union and, of course, with ESA.
MR MILLIGAN: Minister, can you explain why you have not adequately increased staffing levels in the ambulance service to cope with current demand?
MR GENTLEMAN: As I said in my previous answer, we have increased numbers. This is assisting with the numbers on the ground we have with paramedics but the demand has grown as well. Particularly during COVID. I want to thank our frontline responders for the incredible work they do. We support them and we will continue to support them into the future.
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Members.
MR GENTLEMAN: This is why we are working with them on the new roster program I just talked about.
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Members, members!
MR GENTLEMAN: But of course we need to do more recruitment and we are investing in that.
MS CASTLEY: Minister, what impact is this critical shortage having on our paramedics and on their families?
MR GENTLEMAN: Weather has a quite large impact, as I just went through the implications of the work they are doing and the demands on their particular shifts. So whilst we have embedded the resources into ESA to make changes and support our paramedics, there is a lot more to do. We will continue to do that. On this side of the chamber we will vote for that in the budget as opposed to those on the other side.
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Members.
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