New nurses for St George Hospital

Member for Oatley Mark Coure today welcomed the 195 new nurses and midwives who are starting work at the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District this year of which 50 are working at St George Hospital.

Mr Coure said the NSW Government has made a record investment in the recruitment of nurses and midwives, which is enhancing patient care locally.

“50 new nurses and midwives will be joining our local wards this year and I could tell from today’s visit that they are all very eager to commence their nursing careers”

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals are getting on with the job of enhancing health care for our community. Whether it’s rebuilding bricks and mortar or recruiting more nurses and midwives, this government is delivering improved health services.

“The new nurses and midwives joining the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District this year will be learning from the best and I wish them well.

“I’m incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to meet nurses, midwives and hospital staff at St George Hospital often and I’m always impressed by their commitment to care.

“I know our new nurses and midwives, like local patients, are in safe hands.”

Health Minister Jillian Skinner said more than 1800 graduate nurses and midwives will begin their life-saving careers this year in 123 hospitals across NSW.

“There is no better time than now to be working in the NSW public health system,” Mrs Skinner said.

“Before the election, the NSW Liberals & Nationals pledged to recruit an additional 2,475 (headcount) nurses in our first term of government,” Mrs Skinner said.

“In half the time we have surpassed this target and now there are 4,100 (headcount or more than 2,800 FTE) extra nurses and midwives working in our hospitals and community than before we came to government.”