The NSW Government has announced a record 10,148 full-time equivalent staff will be recruited to hospitals and health services across the State over four years, in the nation’s largest-ever health workforce boost.
Member for Willoughy Tim James said the $4.5 billion investment over four years made possible by the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget is intended to relieve pressure on existing staff and ensure there are appropriate levels of health staffing for its health infrastructure projects.
“We acknowledge the tireless efforts of our local health heroes throughout the pandemic and are proud to make this record investment to give them the support they need,” Mr James said.
“This $4.5 billion investment will boost the ranks of our health workforce, helping to give relief and support to our hardworking existing staff, provide the staffing profile for increased elective surgeries and ensuring we continue to deliver quality health care closer to home.”
“We are ensuring that our health heroes get the respite and back-up that they need, while our communities have access to the healthcare they deserve,” Mr James said.
7,674 more workers will be recruited in the first year, including 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.
Tim James said the $4.5 billion investment will ensure there are appropriate levels of health staffing for the state’s pipeline of health infrastructure projects.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals have delivered 170 hospitals and health facilities since coming into Government, with a further 110 underway,” Mr James said.
“This funding ensures new and upgraded hospitals will have the workforce to service our community today and well into the future.”
A strong feature of this health workforce boost is the record investment into NSW Ambulance, with $1.76 billion announced to recruit 2,128 new staff and open 30 more stations across NSW.