Design unveiled for new North Rothbury Ambulance Station

newy.com.au – Hunter communities have been given their first look at the design for a new ambulance station at North Rothbury, with the facility expected to boost emergency and mobile medical care across the region.

The purpose-built station is one of five new ambulance stations being delivered in the Hunter under the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program. New stations are also planned for Gateshead, Caves Beach, Edgeworth and East Maitland.

The North Rothbury station will include internal parking for up to eight emergency ambulance vehicles, on-site vehicle wash facilities, administration and logistics areas, multipurpose spaces, staff amenities including a gym, and on-site parking.

Construction is expected to begin this year, subject to planning approval and the appointment of building contractors. The government says the site’s access to the Hunter Expressway will allow it to complement the existing ambulance station network and help meet growing health needs in the local region.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the design was an important step towards improving emergency care in the Hunter Valley.

“We’re backing our paramedics with the modern infrastructure and resources they need to deliver high-quality emergency care for communities across NSW. More ambulance stations, more paramedics, optimised response times, and better patient outcomes.

“The unveiling of the new ambulance station design marks another step towards delivering a vital health service for the Hunter Valley community and surrounding areas.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the project reflected the need for frontline services to keep up with population growth.

“This is a major investment in frontline care for one of the fastest-growing parts of the Hunter.

“North Rothbury, Branxton and surrounding communities deserve emergency services that keep pace with local growth.

“This new station will give local paramedics the modern facilities they need to respond quickly and save lives.”

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said the station would improve ambulance coverage for North Rothbury, Branxton, Greta and surrounding communities, while supporting existing stations at Kurri Kurri, Cessnock, Singleton and Rutherford.

“Paramedics across the Hunter will have five new purpose-built ambulance stations to support them as they deliver care to the community when and where it’s needed,” he said.

The NSW Government says it is delivering 30 new ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter and Illawarra regions over the coming years. It is also recruiting 2500 additional NSW Ambulance staff, including 500 paramedics for rural and regional areas.