Over 10,000 New Staff set to be recruited in Health Workforce Boost

In a record boost under the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget, 10,148 full-time equivalent staff will be recruited to hospitals and health services across the State over four years.

Member for Oatley, Mark Coure said, that the $4.5 billion investment would ensure that staffing pressures will be eased in local hospitals throughout the St George area.

“Health professionals have shown great resilience and dedication in the face of COVID-19. This funding boost will lead the nation in terms of getting more health professionals into jobs across the State, as well as easing pressure on the healthcare system,” Mr Coure said.

“As a part of this health workforce boost, $1.76 billion has been committed to Ambulance NSW, set to recruit over 2000 new staff and open 30 new stations. This will ensure that NSW paramedics have access to the best facilities the State has to offer.”

Premier, Dominic Perrottet said, 7,674 more workers would be recruited in the first year, which will help ease pressure on COVID-fatigued health staff and fast-track more elective surgery for patients.

“Everyone in NSW is indebted to our health workers for their selfless efforts throughout the pandemic, remembering for a long time there was no vaccine and they risked their lives each day to care for patients,” Premier Perrottet said.

“This record investment will help us care for health staff across the State, providing the respite and back-up they need. It will also boost staff numbers in hospitals to deliver quality health care closer to home.

Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard said, the NSW Government’s $4.5 billion investment over four years is intended to relieve pressure on existing staff and will ensure there are appropriate levels of health staffing for its pipeline of health infrastructure projects.

“Backing in our existing staff with additional staff to support them is critical. As the NSW Government has delivered 170 hospitals and health facilities since 2011, with a further 110 underway, this funding will also ensure those new hospitals will have the workforce of today and the future,” Mr Hazzard said.

The additional staff will include nurses and midwives, doctors, paramedics, pathologists and scientific staff, pharmacists and allied health professionals, as well as support and ancillary staff who ensure the continued operations of NSW hospitals and the wider public health system.