Health workforce crisis: Gov scheme attracts 1000-plus new staff

More than 1000 new health care workers have been recruited to the state as Premier Steven Miles pushes to hit the 2020 election promise goal of 9735 new health workers by September.

More than 1000 new health care workers have been recruited to the state through the Workforce Attraction Scheme as Premier Steven Miles pushes to hit the 2020 election promise goal of 9735 new health workers by September.

So far 1069 frontline staff have been lured to the state from Australia around the globe including Ghana, Germany and Ireland, and 70 per cent of the new employees have moved to regional, rural, and remote areas.

They are taking up roles in nursing, midwifery, dentistry and key specialist areas such as forensics and nuclear medicine.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said she was pleased to see that more than 25 per cent of the new recruits were hired from overseas.

This comes as Mr Miles has backed calls for cuts to overseas migration.

“Our government is doing everything we can to strengthen our frontline work force here in Queensland and these additional staff are a welcome boost,” Ms Fentiman said.

“If you or someone you know is seeking a change of scenery, or are deciding what your next career move is, please consider a career in health.

“The Miles government has proudly hired over 23,000 frontline health staff across Queensland since 2015 but we know we need more.

“It’s why we’re investing to grow our own health workers here in Queensland with initiatives like free TAFE for nursing students.”

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman with Marisa Nakamoto Kakazu who has moved from Lima, Peru, to work at the Gladstone Community Dental Clinic, part of the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service.

Dentist Marisa Nakamoto Kakazu was employed as part of the government scheme and moved from Lima, Peru, to work at Gladstone Community Dental Clinic, part of the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service.

The scheme assisted in the relocation of her family.

“Of course, I miss my family in Lima and occasionally the noise,” she said.

“But we are so pleased to have left the hustle and bustle and settled somewhere we feel safe and happy.”

“My husband Roberto works in the gas industry, so Gladstone is also a good fit for his career opportunities and daughter Mariana, who is fluent in Spanish, is slowly becoming more confident using English.”

More than 40 new recruits have been attracted to the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service.

Townsville has recruited 137 and Cairns 107.