Senior representatives of the Department of Health and WA Police have been stationed at St John Ambulance headquarters to assist the service ensure its appropriate co-ordination of emergency responses.
According to Premier Mark McGowan the senior health officers will include Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Tudor Codreanu and two WA Police officers, to assist St John on the ground and provide immediate logistical support.
“What happened on the weekend is unacceptable and an immediate response is required,” Mr McGowan said.
“There is no doubt staff furlough pressures due to the pandemic can be challenging, but our ambulance service must adapt and be there for the community.”
He said the unprecedented action, taken in collaboration with St John, would ensure the response can be bolstered immediately and will support St John to fully activate its Business Continuity Plan which provides certainty to the public during the current Omicron wave.
“My Government is committed to doing everything within its power to support St John to meet their obligations and the expectations of the community,” Mr McGowan said.
“This unprecedented action will see people who have been key to our pandemic response support St John through this time and I am grateful for their assistance and expertise.”
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said it was “absolutely imperative” that when someone needs an ambulance in an emergency, that one arrives.
“Our paramedics and 000 call takers do an amazing job for our community and we want to give them all the support they need at this very challenging time,” Ms Sanderson said.
“We are working closely to support St John, and this multi-agency response will help them on the ground and ensure their full Business Continuity Plan is enacted.”
She thanked Dr Tudor Codreanu and WA Police for assisting with this “most critical operation.”
