There are 4,000 extra nurses working in the state’s hospitals since the NSW Liberals & Nationals were elected to government, Health Minister Jillian Skinner said.
Mrs Skinner said for the first time more than 47,500 nurses are working in the NSW health system.
“Nurses are at the very heart of our hospitals and more nurses means better experiences for patients and their families,” Mrs Skinner said.
“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of supporting frontline staff and ensuring patients are provided with quality care when they need it most.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals made a pre-election commitment to recruit an additional 2,475 nurses for our state’s hospitals in our first term – in just two years, we have well surpassed this goal.”
More nurses are working in hospitals across the state’s Local Health Districts with 137 in Sydney, 128 in Western Sydney, 185 in South Western Sydney, 340 in Northern Sydney, 402 in South Eastern Sydney and 468 on the Central Coast.
More nurses are also working across other areas of the health system including Justice Health and the Children’s Hospital Network.
“Working in the public health system is a rewarding experience for all staff and it is heartening to see so many nurses choosing to work in our hospitals to improve care and treatment for patients across the state,” Mrs Skinner said.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring patients across the state receive quality, timely care in our hospitals and we know nurses are vital to this commitment.
“We are recruiting, rebuilding and reforming to better our health system and after two years in government, I have no doubt patients are receiving improved care as a result.
“Marking this milestone of 4,000 extra nurses in our state’s hospitals is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge their courage, dedication and hard-work.
“I thank our nurses for the life-saving work they do and I look forward to welcoming more nurses to NSW hospitals in the coming months.”
