Labor pledges ambulance commitments for the Bellarine

A RE-ELECTED Labor government will upgrade Ocean Grove Ambulance Station, deliver MICA officers to the Bellarine and fund 90 extra paramedics across the state.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville visited the ambulance station on Monday to make the announcements, which are part of her government’s $109 million ambulance commitment announced at the weekend.

“I have been very pleased to have worked with Ambulance Victoria and local paramedics on the Bellarine over many years and I know these commitments are much needed and will be most welcomed,” Ms Neville said.

“The upgrade to the Ocean Grove Station will include a new training facility that will ensure local paramedics receive their ongoing training in first class, purpose built facilities.

“In addition, the provision of dedicated Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) officers for the Bellarine will improve care and save lives for those who are subject to a health emergency.”

Ms Neville said that in November 2016 the state government provided a record $500 million ambulance package, the biggest investment in ambulance services in Victoria’s history to put 450 new paramedics on Victorian roads.

“As a result, for example, ambulance response times on the Bellarine have improved by almost four minutes.

“And previous funding initiatives like the $2.7 million to construct a new centralised ambulance station at Swan Bay, with the extra staff already operating out of the Mannerim station, will only improve times even further.

“These are important announcements and will give people confidence that in an emergency situation they will get the lifesaving response and care they need.”