Queensland’s newest paramedic role will help reshape healthcare delivery across some of the most remote communities in the country.
North West Hospital and Health Service (North West HHS) is preparing to welcome Queensland Health’s first Paramedic Remote Hospitals, an Australian-first workforce model designed specifically for rural and remote healthcare.
The new role allows experienced paramedics to work across remote hospitals and health services when not responding to emergency callouts, supporting local teams to deliver more care closer to home.
From emergency presentations and retrieval coordination to primary healthcare and inpatient support, the role has been designed for the realities of remote medicine.
North West HHS Executive Director Remote Health Services, Clare Newton, said the model recognised the unique challenges, and opportunities, of healthcare in the bush.
“Remote healthcare requires clinicians who can think broadly, adapt quickly and work closely together across disciplines,” Ms Newton said.
“This role is about making the most of highly skilled clinicians in communities where workforce shortages and distance can significantly impact access to care.”
“It’s an incredibly exciting model because it reflects what remote healthcare already demands every day, that is flexibility, collaboration and strong clinical capability.”
Unlike traditional metropolitan models, Paramedic Remote Hospitals will work alongside doctors, nurses, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and multidisciplinary teams across hospitals, clinics, aged care and primary health settings.
Acting Chief Executive Andrew Quabba said the role represented a significant step forward for healthcare innovation in remote Queensland.
“This is a first for Queensland Health and a really proud moment for the North West,” Mr Quabba said.
“We were proud to be the pilot site previously in Camooweal back in 2023, and the evidence from the trial overwhelmingly showed it was a safe, effective and valuable service model in remote clinics.”
“Remote communities deserve healthcare models designed around their realities, not metro assumptions.”
“Paramedics are highly trained clinicians with strong skills in assessment and acute care, and those skills are incredibly valuable in remote hospitals and clinics where clinicians must manage a wide range of health presentations.”
“It’s innovative, practical and ultimately about improving access to care for people living in some of Queensland’s most isolated communities.”
The first Paramedic Remote Hospital roles are expected to commence later this year.
Applications are currently open via SmartJobs - Job search | Employment and jobs | Queensland Government