SINGLETON may have a shorter supply of ambulance officers if a new proposal by the New South Wales Ambulance Service is approved.

According to the Health Services Union the officers could be called on to relieve or provide backup where there is a shortage of ambulance officers at the Stroud, Merriwa, Murrurundi, Gloucester and Bulahdelah stations, meaning they wont always be in Singleton.

Health Service Union organiser and ex paramedic, Jim Arneman, said if the proposal goes ahead people in these towns will be provided with a second rate service.

“The NSW Ambulance Service is trying to save money, it’s a disgrace in this day and age where we are trying to keep people out of the hospitals.

“Modern paramedics can perform and have access to advanced treatments out of hospital which people in these towns will be potentially denied,” he said.

Currently the five stations have temporary paramedics who enable complete coverage in terms of numbers, there are two on each shift and two on call after hours.

Mr Arneman said they tried to make that arrangement permanent, but it was refused by the NSW Ambulance Service and this proposal was put forward instead.

“Feed back from the towns and public meetings held oppose the proposal, they pay the same amount of taxes as the people in Sydney so why should they get a second rate, do it yourself ambulance?

The fight is currently in the NSW Industrial Commission. Dates will be announced to hear the arbitration.