A record 10,148 full-time equivalent staff will be recruited to hospitals and health services across NSW over four years, in the nation’s largest-ever health workforce boost, as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget.
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.
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.
The NSW Nationals in the state 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.
Nationals Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the staffing boost will also be extended to rural and regional NSW, where communities are waiting with open arms to welcome additional skilled health professionals.
“This Government has funded more positions for health staff in the regions than any other. We are leading the nation in our efforts to bring the best and brightest health professionals to the bush,” Mrs Taylor said.
A strong feature of this health workforce budget is a boost to NSW Ambulance which has been under unprecedented pressure, with historically high call rates.
The government will provide immediate relief and support for NSW Ambulance, with $1.76 billion to recruit 2,128 new staff and open 30 more stations.
