New ambulance station in Horsham opens its doors
Minister for Health David Davis today officially opened a new state-of-the-art ambulance station in Horsham.
Together with the local Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty, the Minister presented long service and safe driving awards to three Horsham paramedics. These awards represent more than 90 years of service to the Horsham and greater Wimmera communities.
"The new $2.5 million ambulance station has delivered significant improvements to ambulance facilities for paramedics working in the local community," Mr Davis said.
"This new station is a welcome boost to Horsham paramedics that are now even better equipped to respond to critical medical emergencies. This new station will accommodate an additional 10 paramedics as part of the Victorian Coalition Government's $151 million expansion of Victoria's ambulance services.
"The investment will see Horsham's first dedicated MICA paramedic unit commence operation by mid next year and an additional night shift in early 2014.
"This MICA service is one of 10 the Coalition Government has committed to provide at major centres across rural and regional Victoria," Mr Davis said.
There are currently 25 paramedics and ambulance staff working in Horsham.
Mr Davis said the Coalition Government was delivering on its commitment to employ 310 additional paramedics and 30 patient transport officers state-wide which will be the biggest single increase in additional staffing for the ambulance service in the state's history.
"We have already delivered 113 new paramedics, all 30 patient transport officers, as well as MICA units in Warrnambool, Wonthaggi, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Wodonga and Mildura.
"We are continuing to work with Ambulance Victoria and local communities to ensure all Victorians have access to the highest quality ambulance services delivering timely responses during emergencies," Mr Davis said.
