The region's 200 paramedics joined their NSW colleagues in providing free ambulance rides since last Thursday in a bid to draw attention to what they say are chronic staffing shortages.

This morning, NSW Health Minister Reba Meagher intervened in discussions between the Health Services Union (HSU) and NSW Ambulance Service delegates, resulting in the paperwork strike being called off just after 1.30pm.

An Illawarra HSU spokesman said a meeting would be held tomorrow with Ms Meagher when ``full and frank discussions'' were expected to take place, including seeking a commitment from the Government to employ an additional 300 new recruits this year.

``One of the things we were asking for was that the Minister come to the party and listen to our concerns. She has agreed to do that,'' the spokesman said.

``The HSU and ambulance officers are happy with the outcome at this stage.

``It's a significant breakthrough and certainly leads the way to very meaningful discussions with the people who are in a position to make the decisions and to improve service delivery to the people of NSW.''