Temporary Ambulance Station Opens at Sandgate to Support Newcastle Paramedics

A temporary NSW Ambulance station has opened at Sandgate to accommodate additional paramedics in the Hunter region while planning continues for a new permanent facility at Gateshead.

The facility is part of the $1.76 billion Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team (SWIFT) program, which has brought 62 new paramedics to the Hunter. Twelve of these paramedics have begun working from the temporary Sandgate site, ensuring greater emergency response coverage for Newcastle and surrounding areas.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the initiative is part of the NSW Government’s investment in frontline healthcare.

“This temporary site at Sandgate will enhance care for the Newcastle community, providing a place for paramedics to start and finish their shifts while new ambulance stations are developed across Greater Newcastle,” Mr Park said.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley welcomed the boost in paramedic numbers and noted the long-term benefits for the region.

“The additional paramedics at Sandgate represent an important investment in ensuring high-quality healthcare is accessible across Newcastle,” Ms Catley said.

Further paramedic allocations are planned for the Hunter, with consultation ongoing between NSW Ambulance, staff, and unions.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the investment in emergency health services reflects the government’s commitment to meeting the region’s needs.

“This investment in the Hunter region demonstrates our commitment to strengthening emergency care for local communities, and I thank our paramedics for their dedication,” he said.

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan highlighted the importance of the temporary facility in meeting community demands.

“This temporary site at Sandgate is further proof of NSW Ambulance’s evidence-based approach to service planning, ensuring resources are allocated where they are needed most,” Dr Morgan said.

The SWIFT program aims to deliver 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff, including 500 paramedics for rural and regional areas. As part of the broader NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program, 30 new ambulance stations are planned across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter, and Wollongong. Newcastle’s planned stations include new facilities at Swansea, Gateshead, Edgeworth, Branxton, and East Maitland.

NSW Ambulance routinely uses temporary sites to support operations while new stations are constructed or existing facilities undergo major refurbishments. The Sandgate site will remain in operation until the Gateshead station is completed.