Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson today announced that 31 graduate nurses and midwives will begin their careers at Tamworth Hospital this year, in a major boost to the local health workforce.

Mr Anderson said the intake of new graduates were amongst a record 3,600 nurses and midwives set to commence work across 130 NSW Public Hospitals and health services this year.

“The work that nurses and midwives do is central to the care of our people in hospitals, at home and in the community,” Mr Anderson said.

“Those of us who have spent time in hospital know how important nurses are when we are at our most vulnerable and their commitment, skill and compassion is key to our care.

“Today we welcome 15 new nurses to our hospital with 16 more to come later in the year. I know our community welcomes our newest graduates to Tamworth and wishes them well as they begin a rewarding career in the public health system.”

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said more than a third of the record number of graduates beginning their careers with NSW Health have chosen to work in our rural and regional hospitals.

“It is so wonderful to see so many nurses and midwives either choosing to move to the bush or returning home so they can care for their communities,” Mrs Taylor said.

“As someone who spent the best part of their nursing career at a regional hospital, I know the skills and experience these new nurses will gain will set them up for success into their future nursing career.

“On behalf of our regional communities, I am thrilled to welcome this next generation of nurses and midwives and wish all our new starters the very best of luck as they embark on their new career.”

The latest statewide intake of graduate nurses and midwives is an 18 per cent increase on last year. It is also the largest intake of any state or territory in Australia.

NSW Health has the largest health system in the country and employs more than 53,000 nurses and midwives, more than ever before.

Overall, between mid-2012 and mid-2022 NSW Health increased its workforce by an additional 25,700 full time equivalent staff – an increase of 25.2 per cent, including 9,340 more nurses and midwives, 4,140 more doctors, and 2,490 more allied health staff.

The NSW Government recently announced the largest workforce boost in the nation’s history in the 2022-23 Budget with a $4.5 billion investment over four years for 10,148 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff to hospitals and health services across NSW.