Country ambo aid

WA’s first long-term strategy to strengthen country ambulance services across the State was launched this month.

The Country Ambulance Strategy — Striving for Equity in Country WA set out 19 recommendations, including measures to attract and support volunteers, more training and administration support, adopting new technology, and improving co-ordination between hospitals and ambulance services.

The final strategy was based on almost 1000 submissions received from community members, health providers and stakeholders at community workshops during a three-month public consultation phase.

Health Minister Roger Cook said this was the first long-term plan to safeguard the future of the WA country ambulance services.

“I would like to thank St John Ambulance for their ongoing commitment to country ambulance services and look forward to working collaboratively with them to deliver this State-first strategy,” he said.

“We are doing what has not been done before so that country residents, volunteers and the wider community can continue to be assured of the best possible country ambulance service into the future.

“I extend my appreciation to every volunteer ambulance worker, organisations large and small and local community members who took the time to be part of a workshop, make a phone call, send an email or make a formal submission.”

Immediate action will be taken on priority measures including the transfer of the contract management to WA Country Health Service and setting out a clear policy to support improvement of the country ambulance service in WA.