Andrews government promises specialist paramedic positions if re-elected

More than 25 paramedic practitioner positions will be created if the Andrews government is re-elected in November's state election.

Under a $20 million plan, the new positions would be set up to assess and diagnose patients and keep them out of hospitals.

"These paramedics will travel to people to keep them out of hospital and provide care, not transport, but care," Premier Daniel Andrews said.

READ MORE: End of pandemic is in sight, WHO chief says

Paramedic practitioners will be different to Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) and Qualified paramedics.

They will be highly trained to help and assist people that don't necessarily need to go to hospital, but still need immediate care.

Victorian Ambulance Union Secretary Danny Hill said it was a "fantastic" initiative that would benefit regional and rural areas.

READ MORE: GPS reveals location of thief after stealing $250,000 Nissan Skyline GTR

"This will be an opportunity to help patients who might not need transport, it (will also) be a more dignified response," he said.

"These paramedics will be some of the highest trained paramedics in Australia and the world.

"It will be a good way to attract people in rural and regional areas."

Andrews also announced if re-elected his government would fund up to $290 million to complete the second stage of Wonthaggi Hospital by 2027.

Construction on stage one is currently underway, with the regional hospital due to open early next year.