Taupo's St John Ambulance Service has had a big staffing boost - which means it can now send fully staffed ambulances to callouts around the clock.
Changes to the way the service is funded means it has been able to appoint three extra paramedics. Another two people have been recruited to help with patient transfers.
Taupo operations team manager Graeme Harvey said the changes would mean a better service for locals because the Taupo-based life support unit - the advanced paramedic ambulance - would now always have two full-time staff on board.
Previously, at nights, the two ambulances had only one staff member each unless there was a volunteer available and it had meant sometimes calling in off-duty staff.
"Now at night, at least one of the ambulances will be permanently fully crewed with the second ambulance fully crewed should one of our volunteer officers be available," Mr Harvey said.
The money for the extra staff came from the new National Ambulance Sector Office.
There would now be three paid staff members on every shift, Mr Harvey said.
"The volunteers, especially those doing the national diploma, can ride out with a fully crewed vehicle and be mentored and will continue to assist St John with coverage at many of the Taupo events."
Staff member Raewyn Colpman, a paramedic, has taken up one of the new positions while paramedics Michelle Rumpler, currently in Turangi, Ian Murphy, Putaruru, and advanced paramedic Leanne Rogers, from Kaitaia, will fill the remaining three positions.
Two others - locals Martin Pitchers and Jonathan King - who are casual/volunteer ambulance officers at Taupo, will help with patient transfers.
St John Ambulance Lakes District operations manager Norm Riedinger said Rotorua had not received any increase in funding for extra staff.
"At this stage Rotorua is reasonably well-staffed ... it hasn't been identified as urgent," he said.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from Rotorua Daily Post
'The smell is quite rancid': Rotting lake weed takes over lakefront
Stormy weather has again washed ashore a large amount of the now decaying weed.