By Laura Michell
Ambulance services in Whittlesea and Hume will be improved, with the state government committing three new units to the outer north.
As part of a $14.8 million government boost for Ambulance Victoria, seven peak period units will be set up in metropolitan areas including Epping, Mernda and Craigieburn.
A peak period unit operates the same as a regular ambulance service, but is rostered to meet times of higher demand to ensure the right patients receive the right care at the right time.
Ambulance Victoria chief executive Tony Walker said the new units were a win for the organisation and the community.
“These units will be staffed by two Advanced Life Saving paramedics seven days per week to help us continue to provide the right care to our patients in times of peak demand which are often at night-time and in the early hours of the morning,” associate professor Walker said.
Victoria Ambulance Union general secretary Danny Hill welcomed the investment in new units.
“We are pleased with today’s announcement and thank the government for working with us and Ambulance Victoria to deliver these initiatives,” Mr Hill said.
“It’s a smart and targeted package which delivers new resources such as Peak Period Units in busy locations and adding triage service staff to make an impact in reducing work for crews on road.”
