A significant new collaboration between NSW Ambulance and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) has been launched to enhance patient care and reduce the burden on regional emergency departments.

The program, announced this week, introduces two additional Extended Care Paramedic (ECP) vehicles to the region.

These units are staffed by six specialist paramedics who are highly skilled in assessing and treating "low acuity" conditions.

Their primary objective is to provide high-quality medical intervention within the community, allowing patients with chronic or complex but non-emergency conditions to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

The logic behind the initiative is to ensure that hospital resources are reserved for those in most urgent need.

By performing on-the-spot assessments, these ECPs can provide treatment in a patient’s home.

Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney, described the program as a "terrific example" of local health teams co-designing innovative pathways to ensure residents receive the care they require without enduring long waits in a busy Emergency Department (ED).

In addition to the increased physical presence on the road, NSW Ambulance is enhancing its Virtual Clinical Care Centre (VCCC).

This system allows experienced clinicians to monitor the Illawarra Shoalhaven area remotely.

If a patient’s condition is stable, the VCCC can connect them with alternative care options, such as a GP or pharmacist, ensuring the most appropriate provider is utilised while preserving frontline ambulance resources for life-threatening emergencies.

Minister for Health and Member for Keira, Ryan Park, noted that this collaboration is a vital step in delivering better health outcomes across the state.

By integrating services across the health network, the government aims to provide the right care in the most appropriate setting.

The initiative also supports the expansion of the Aged Care Outreach Service.

For older residents in Kiama and the South Coast, this provides increased access to clinical care within their own residential facilities, helping to address the challenges faced by patients awaiting NDIS or aged care placements.

Liza Butler, Member for South Coast, highlighted the essential role these paramedics play in supporting the community.

While planning for future phases of the program is currently underway, this immediate boost in resources is a welcome development for the region's healthcare infrastructure.