After concerns were raised about paramedic staffing levels in the Highlands, the ambulance division of the HSU has also spoken out.

South West Sydney sub-branch president Matt Anderson said the union had called on Ambulance NSW and the government to undertake a review of where Intensive Care Paramedics (ICPs) were stationed as well as the newly introduced staggered roster.

But a NSW Ambulance spokesperson said changes had been made in consultation with paramedics, union representatives and the Industrial Relations Committee (IRC).

The availability of ICPs throughout the Wingecarribee was an issue the union had major concerns about.

While Bowral has five ICPs on its roster Mr Anderson said they were often sent to other locations such as Campbelltown, Green Valley and Bankstown.

“The Southern Highlands is an area with many challenges for NSWA to deliver the highest clinical care to its residents and visitors including the size of the area covered and the distance to major hospital services,” Mr Anderson said.

“There has been no serious review on where ICPs should be located in decades and areas such as Wingecarribee and Wollondilly are missing out on the availability of these life-saving skills on a daily basis.”

A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said there remained five ICPs currently deployed from Bowral Ambulance Station and they would continue to monitor staffing numbers in the Highlands and their deployment.

“NSW Ambulance has strategies in place to manage demand and rosters for services across the Illawarra/Southern Highlands region,” the spokesperson said.

Another issue of concern was staggered rosters that started in Bowral on February 28.

Mr Anderson said the union had already raised concerns about the affects of this system on members in relation to travel, family issues and increased fatigue.

“We rejected the NSWA position that it will increase access to breaks and reduce the amount of overtime and lead to better coverage of resources,” he said.

Mr Anderson said the IRC supported staggered shifts.

He said as a result  NSW Ambulance would not negotiate any changes to start times.

The spokesperson said paramedics who were “significantly affected” by the new rosters should speak to their local manager to find a solution.

“NSW Ambulance continues to work collaboratively with paramedics and their union representatives to address any issues that are raised during the implementation process,” they said.

Mr Anderson said the union would continue to keep an eye on the situation.

“This sub-branch will continue to monitor all issues related to these new start times and will have no hesitation to lodge them with the IRC for review.”