Nationals member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell has welcomed eight graduate nurses and midwives, who will begin working in local public hospitals this year, in what will be a major boost for local health services across the electorate.
Mr Layzell said that the new graduates are amongst a record 3,600 nurses and midwives set to commence working across 130 NSW public hospitals and health services this year.
“Today’s announcement will see more nurses and midwives coming to the Upper Hunter electorate, which will improve local health services and deliver the care your family deserves,” Mr Layzell said.
“I am incredibly pleased to welcome the new recruits to Gloucester Hospital, Singleton District Hospital, Muswellbrook District Hospital, Scott Memorial Hospital Scone and the Merriwa Multi-Purpose Service.
“The work that nurses and midwives do in Upper Hunter is absolutely amazing to provide the very best care for people in our hospitals, at home and in our community.
“The commitment, compassion and skills they bring to the role make a huge difference and contribute greatly to the health and wellbeing of the people of the Upper Hunter electorate.”
The allocation of graduate nurses and midwives includes:
Singleton District Hospital – 3;
Muswellbrook District Hospital – 2; and,
Gloucester Hospital, Scott Memorial Hospital, Scone and Merriwa MPS – 1 each.
Nationals Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said more than a third of the record number of graduates beginning their careers with NSW Health have chosen to work in our rural and regional hospitals.
“It is so wonderful to see so many nurses and midwives either choosing to move to the bush or returning home so they can care for their communities,” Mrs Taylor said.
“As someone who spent the best part of their nursing career at a regional hospital, I know the skills and experience these new nurses will gain will set them up for success into their future nursing career.
“On behalf of our regional communities, I am thrilled to welcome this next generation of nurses and midwives and wish all our new starters the very best of luck as they embark on their new career.”
The latest statewide intake of graduate nurses and midwives is an 18 per cent increase on last year. It is also the largest intake of any state or territory in Australia.
NSW Health has the largest health system in the country and employs more than 53,000 nurses and midwives, more than ever before.
Overall, between mid-2012 and mid-2022 NSW Health increased its workforce by an additional 25,700 full time equivalent staff – an increase of 25.2 per cent, including 9,340 more nurses and midwives, 4,140 more doctors, and 2,490 more allied health staff.
The NSW Nationals in Government recently announced the largest workforce boost in the nation’s history in the 2022-23 Budget with a $4.5 billion investment over four years for 10,148 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff to hospitals and health services across NSW.
PICTURE CAPTION: Dave Layzell meets the Upper Hunter's newest nurse and midwife graduates at Singleton Hospital.
