St John Harvey set for historic weekend transition with paid paramedics to start for first time on Sunday

This weekend will mark the start of an new era for ambulance services in one South West town as it joins other locations with full-time paramedics.

St John WA’s Harvey Sub-Centre is set to have paid personnel covering the area for the first time on Sunday, bringing to an end 88 years of services run completely by volunteers.

A new hybrid model of service will be implemented for Harvey and surrounding communities, with professional paramedics complementing existing volunteers at the Uduc Road base.

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the changes would bolster ambulance response capabilities.

“Harvey was identified as a priority area for us and now the community will benefit from more paramedic support than ever before,” she said.

The changes have come about as a result of a renewed contact between the State Government and St John WA which is set to see the equivalent of 31 full-time paramedic positions created in regional parts of the State.

Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke said the changes were a “huge boost” for the town.

“The sub-centre will also transition to a hybrid model that will provide even more support to our highly dedicated volunteer ambulance officers,” she said.

It is hoped the new model will improve call-out response times and provide more support to current volunteers and the broader community.

Margaret River and Esperance are set to gain new paramedics under the changes in the coming months, while Geraldton has gained four new positions under the renewed contract.