Western NSW Local Health District (LHD) is anticipated to score at least 390 extra recruits as part of a Coalition pledge to provide the state with “the largest workforce boost in the history of Australian health care”.
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NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced an extra 5000 nurses and midwives would be delivered over four years.
It was a $2.8 billion investment to improve care for patients, she said.
The announcement has prompted Labor to promise it “can and will match the commitment of 5000 more nurses”.
While allocations are made by the ministry in consultation with LHDs every year, based on current demand projections the government released anticipated distributions.
It was anticipated Western LHD would receive 27 doctors, 271 nurses and midwives, 37 allied health staff and 53 hospital support staff, among its boosted workforce of at least 390 employees, according to government figures.
The Far West LHD was anticipated to receive at least 52 new staff including two doctors, 36 nurses and midwives, five allied health staff and nine hospital workers.
“Patients in NSW will now have more nurses to look after them and nurses will have more colleagues to share the workload – all due to our strong economic management,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said almost half the new nurses and midwives employed will be in regional areas.
In total, 8300 frontline staff, including doctors, allied health and other professionals will be added to the workforce, with 45 per cent in the regions.
“Whether you are in Byron or Bombala, Broken Hill or Bulahdelah, Wagga Wagga or Walgett, you will get the care you need, much closer to home,” Mr Barilaro said.
Opposition health spokesman Walt Secord said the party had been talking to the Nurses and Midwives Association of NSW and the Health Services Union about how it would deliver better on-the-ground health services.
Labor would be making further announcements in the coming weeks, he said.
“The Berejiklian Liberal government’s announcement today is scant on detail and leaves some unanswered questions,” he said.
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
