Zoe Moffatt
Gisborne paramedics will now operate from a new ambulance station, with construction on the Robertson Street, multi-million-dollar station finished after a delay of several months.
Health, Infrastructure and Ambulance Services Minister and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas visited the station on November 3. The station is home to almost 30 staff from Gisborne, Riddells Creek and Toolern Vale crews.
The station includes a four-bay garage, four rest and recline areas, training facilities, a fully equipped kitchen and improved security and car parking.
It was initially scheduled to reach practical completion in mid-2023, but experienced minor delays, with paramedics moving into their new home on October 3, 2023.
Ambulance Victoria acting area manager Matt Corcoran said the completion of the new branch was a great milestone for the community.
“This new, purpose-built branch ensures our paramedics have the facilities and support they need to quickly respond to emergencies and assist in our efforts to save lives,” he said.
“The new fit for purpose facility has come at a great time as local crews had outgrown the previous branch built in 1981.
“Modern facilities like these are a community asset and contribute to better health outcomes for our patients.”
The station’s opening comes amid the latest Ambulance Victoria (AV) response statistics revealing an increase in the average response time for patients requiring urgent care in Gisborne.
From July 1 to September 30, 2023, the average response time was 15.33 minutes, and of the 177 responses, 62.7 per cent of them had a response time of less than 15 minutes.
The last time Gisborne recorded a slower response time was from October 1, to December 31, 2022, with average response time of 15.51 minutes for patients requiring urgent care.
Speaking to the stations opening, Ms Thomas said it will provide paramedics a fit-for-purpose workplace with the latest equipment and facilities.
“The new Gisborne Ambulance Station will… keep [paramedics] safe and ensure they can deliver world class care to their community,” she said.
“Our paramedics are the very best of us, and in areas like Gisborne, we know locals rely on their expertise, compassion and commitment in times of crisis.
“[This makes] the bigger and better new Gisborne Ambulance Station all the more important.”
