The province has announced 30 new paramedic positions and three ambulances for Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Ladysmith. File photo.
The province announced 30 new paramedics and three ambulances will be added in Nanaimo and its surrounding communities.
The B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) says 24 full-time paramedics will be hired in Nanaimo.
Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Ladysmith will all have two full-time positions created.
The health ministry says the Nanaimo area is one of the first to be reviewed by the BCEHS because of high emergency call volumes and patient transfers and a low number of regular full-time staff.
“With growing call volumes and few full-time staff this investment only makes sense,” Health Minister Adrian Dix said in a release.
“We are improving services the community counts on and ensuring paramedics are there when people need them.”
The province also announced improvements to staff scheduling for coverage at peak times.
Andy Neal
