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 Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the $4.5 billion investment over four years, which will be included in the 2022/23 budget, was welcome news to local health workers and the community who have been calling for more staff in the region’s hospitals.

“Health workers have been working tirelessly over the pandemic to keep our community in good health,” Mr Anderson said.

“This $4.5 billion investment will see more staff recruited directly to our hospitals, giving existing staff confidence that they will soon have more hands on deck as the needs of the community continue to grow.”

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 operation of NSW hospitals and the wider health system.

Mr Anderson added that the increase in staff numbers would couple with improving infrastructure across the region.

“With the Gunnedah Hospital, Tamworth Ambulance Station, and Better Banksia projects well underway, the boost in the health workforce is timely and welcome news and ensures that our major health infrastructure projects will be appropriately staffed.

“I look forward to working with the Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor on addressing the staffing needs of all of our regions health facilities.”

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.

PHOTO: Kevin Anderson visits Tamworth’s new ENT surgeon’s operating theatre