By JESSE GRAHAM
HEALESVILLE and the surrounds now have emergency coverage 24 hours a day, after a service boost and a new ambulance branch was announced last week.
On Thursday 4 September, Health Minister David Davis announced 10 new paramedics and two new ambulance vehicles had commenced covering the Yarra Valley.
A peak-period unit, consisting of six paramedics and a new ambulance, is based out of Lilydale, while four extra paramedics and a new ambulance are stationed at Healesville’s branch.
Mr Davis said the new arrangement would give the region a complete 24-hour ambulance coverage for the first time, and that paramedics could now quickly respond to emergencies at all hours.
Seymour MP and Eildon Candidate, Cindy McLeish, described the announcement as a “historic funding boost”, with more paramedics and ambulances now than ever before in the state’s history.
Mr Davis also announced a new, $950,000 ambulance branch to be constructed in Healesville next year.
The new branch will house the peak-period unit when completed, and will be designed to accommodate the growing number of paramedics and ambulances.
He said that tenders for the new branch would be called for in October, with construction to be completed next year.
Mr Davis said the boost in services to the Yarra Valley accompanied a government investment of $550 million in state-of-the-art ambulance helicopters, which will cover the state.
