The Queensland Ambulance Service has appointed a north Queensland based Deputy Commissioner for the first time.
The position of Deputy Commissioner, North Queensland, Rural and Remote aims to align and strengthen service delivery to regional and rural areas.
Gerard Lawler who will occupy the Townsville-based role in a short-term capacity until the position is advertised for permanent appointment and he said North Queensland has grown significantly.
"The QAS is continually revaluating and enhancing resources in growing regions to ensure the very best pre-hospital care for patients," Acting Deputy Commissioner Lawler said.
"Consequently, the QAS has routinely evolved our service delivery to ensure we are best placed to assist in a patient's darkest hour."
The North Queensland Deputy Commissioner oversees three regions: the Far Northern Region, Northern Region (which includes Mount Isa and North West Qld) and Central Region. The Assistant Commissioners of these regions are Michelle Baxter, James Cunnington and Robbie Medlin respectively.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Lawler said he looks forward to introducing and developing the new role in Townsville with the support of local staff.
"The unique and demanding challenges of regional and rural operations require a high level of focus and support and I am pleased to contribute to this enhancement and work in with the broader health system."
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
