Qld health system needs 250 more paramedics a year: union

A powerful union is urging the Queensland Government to address the health crisis in next week’s State Budget, revealing a shock staffing number needed to handle growing demand.

At least 250 new ambulance officers need to be employed each year to keep up with growing demand, according to the powerful United Workers Union, which is urging the Queensland Government to address the health crisis in next week’s State Budget.

UWU national ambulance co-ordinator Fiona Scalon said that by the end of this financial year, there would be less than 50 new staff budgeted for the remainder of this term of government.

“There are many more paramedicine graduates than jobs, there will be no issue filling those jobs,” she said.

“As the State Government has increased funding for Queensland Ambulance Service staff by 500 over the last two years, and the service is still struggling, there needs to be funding for at least 250 additional staff per year recurring to even keep pace given the known 4 per cent increase per annum in ambulance demand.”

The government has been under pressure to ease the strain being felt across the state’s health system, with hospitals experiencing some of their busiest days ever this year.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last week said the upcoming Budget would see “record, record, record” health funding.

Paramedic numbers are at a critical low.

Ms Scalon said the June 21 Budget must provide funding for new paramedics, patient transport officers, emergency medical dispatchers and virtual triage and hospital alternatives.

She said it was the Government’s opportunity to address the health crisis.

“There’s a severe shortfall of available ambulance officers out in the community, due to the health crisis,” she said.

“In addressing the health crisis, we strongly oppose outsourcing, privatisation and public money going to the profits of private health companies.

“Better health system design, enhancing connections between services, improving the management and prioritisation of health services, and new, fit-for-purpose health care funding frameworks is what is needed.”

Ms Scalon said the system had no “give” in it.

“As of the end of this financial year, there will be less than 50 new staff budgeted for with the Government’s commitment to 535 ambulance staff enhancements over the term of this Government,” she said.

“That’s not going to cut it for the next year and a half.”

And Ms Scalon said the new staff needed to be permanent.

“The recent surge funding to grapple with the pandemic means there are excessive numbers of casual employees engaged,” she said.

“This is not a sustainable way to deliver a quality ambulance service.”

Unions have been calling on the state and federal governments to launch significant health reforms for 18 months.

The State Government also wants the Federal Government to fund health 50-50.