Record number of nurse and midwife graduates join ranks

15 Feb 2018 9:24 AM -

Member for Murray Austin Evans has welcomed the boost to Leeton District Hospital of two graduate nurses launching their careers and caring for patients and their families, commencing February and August.

“Nurses and midwives are the backbone of the public health system and I am delighted to welcome them to our neck of the woods,” Mr Evans said.

“Around the clock, 365 days a year, our nurses and midwives are on the frontline of the NSW health system providing care to patients and support to their families. 

“I wish all our new starters the best of luck with their careers and again welcome the invaluable contribution they make to our health system.

More than 2,400 graduate nurses and midwives are launching their careers at hospitals and health services across NSW – including a third that will work in rural and regional hospitals.

“This year there is a record number of graduate nurses and midwives - we have 51,000 nurses and midwives working in the NSW public health system – an all-time high – but we’re working hard to boost this vital workforce even further,” Mr Evans said.

As part of NSW Government’s election commitment, $9.8 million has been allocated in 2017-18 to recruit 55 more specialist nurses and midwives, 10 mental health clinical nurse educators to support new graduates and undergraduates as well as 30 clinical support officers for nurses and midwifery services.

Across the entire frontline medical workforce – including nurses, midwives, doctors, allied health professionals and hospital support staff – the NSW Government has already exceeded its election commitment by 1000 positions.

Since 2011, the NSW Government has funded an additional 6,700 full-time equivalent nurses and midwives across NSW.