Jacqui Scruby MP for Pittwater says a new ambulance station at Narrabeen announced this week will save lives by ensuring we have locally based paramedic services.
“This is a huge win for Pittwater. We will retain a station with Intensive Care Paramedics, which was at risk of being lost to Dee Why when I first came to office.
“Losing Narrabeen Ambulance Station was one of the first issues I raised with the Health Minister, challenging the assumption that a mobile network of ambulances would adequately meet our needs. I stressed that being on a peninsula on the outskirts of Sydney, we simply can’t leverage the radius of available ambulances - we are one road in, one road out and Narrabeen must remain.
“I am appalled by the state of this station. It’s been neglected for decades - with busted windows, ambulances that don’t fit inside being prepped in the rain, and lax security with scheduled prescription drugs. It is 65 years old and former governments and local Liberal MPs have failed to upgrade and provide safe work conditions. It is shameful.
“I’d like to pay tribute to the ambulance crews and their Health Services Union (HSU) representatives whose actions blacklisting the site were the catalyst for this announcement from the Government. The whole community will benefit from their advocacy, as well as their ongoing service.
“Our ambulance workers deserve safe and fit-for-purpose stations, and investment in Narrabeen is long-overdue.
“I’ll push the government to commence works as soon as possible and to work with the HSU representatives to make sure the site is fit for purpose, including drainage works to prevent flooding.
“This is a vital upgrade, which will ensure more paramedics and faster response times across Pittwater and the Northern Beaches. It will undoubtedly save lives,” said Ms Scruby
Minister Park has confirmed our community will continue to have 24/7 ambulance coverage during planning and construction of the new Narrabeen Ambulance Station. NSW Ambulance is consulting with staff about temporarily relocating crews to Mona Vale Ambulance Station throughout the construction time frame to maintain service levels.