In the largest workforce boost in the history of Australian healthcare, patients will gain an extra 5000 nurses and midwives.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the unprecedented workforce rise over four years was only possible due to strong economic management.
“We are investing $2.8 billion to recruit thousands of extra nurses, midwives and frontline staff to care for patients” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Patients in ϳԹ will now have more nurses to look after them and nurses will have more colleagues to share the workload – all due to our strong economic management.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said almost half the new nurses and midwives employed will be in regional areas. In total, 8300 frontline staff, including doctors, allied health and other professionals will be added to the workforce, with 45 per cent in the regions.
“Whether you are in Byron or Bombala, Broken Hill or Bulahdelah, Wagga Wagga or Walgett, you will get the care you need, much closer to home,” Mr Barilaro said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said nursing hours per patient day will increase dramatically in Peer Group B and C hospitals across ϳԹ, from 5.2 hours to six hours and 5.5 to six hours respectively.
“This increase in nurse numbers equates to even higher nurse to patient ratios than the ϳԹ Nurses & Midwives’ Association asked for and leaves Labor’s promises in the dust,” Mr Hazzard said.
“No other State or Territory in Australia could match this commitment and the only reason we can deliver it is thanks to eight years of strong economic management.”
The new investment will fund targeted areas of services and workforce including:
“We have built or upgraded more than 100 hospitals and health facilities since elected, with 100 more underway,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Mr Hazzard said more than half of the hospital redevelopments or upgrades are in regional ϳԹ, where many of the new staff will be deployed.
“Good patient care relies not only on first-class facilities but skilled people to deliver it, which is why we are building on our commitment to look after those who look after us,” Mr Hazzard said.
Achievements of the ϳԹ Government in health include: