Twenty-six new nursing and midwifery graduates are commencing their careers at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, a major boost for our local community.

State Member for Ku-ring-gai said that the new graduates are amongst a record 3,600 nurses and midwives set to commence working across 130 NSW public hospitals and health services this year.

“The work that nurses and midwives do is at the very heart of the public health system, caring for people in our hospitals, at home and in our communities,” Mr Henskens said.

“The commitment, compassion and skills they bring to the role make a huge difference and contribute greatly to the health and wellbeing of our community.”

“I am incredibly pleased to welcome the new recruits to Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital.”

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard extended a warm welcome to the new nursing and midwifery recruits, many of whom start work across NSW public hospitals this month.

“The dedication and professionalism of our nurses and midwives across the state is nothing short of extraordinary,” Mr Hazzard said.

“These enthusiastic graduates have a unique opportunity to play a vital role in our healthcare system at a time when it continues to adapt and innovate to the changes and challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

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.