The Upper Hunter Electorate will benefit from an expansion of programs to increase the number of junior doctors and nurse practitioners in regional and rural locations.
Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell welcomed the announcement which will expand the Rural Resident Medical Cadetship Program, by offering an additional 32 cadetships across the state bringing the total scholarships on offer to 50.
“This a great opportunity for medical students from metropolitan areas to experience rural medicine in a vibrant and close-knit community, while receiving great support and guidance,” Mr Layzell said.
“These junior doctors will provide essential respite for our dedicated rural and regional healthcare workers. We hope that after experiencing life in our wonderful community they will choose to stay.”
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the number of nurse practitioners in regional NSW will be doubled to 200 over four years.
“Nurse practitioners play an incredibly important role in rural locations where it’s a challenge to attract doctors, and this announcement is an enormous boost for these communities.”
“These are highly skilled nursing professionals that can operate autonomously in complex clinical settings,” Mrs Taylor said.
“By adding these extra doctors and nurses, we are providing our hardworking regional health workforce with vital backup and ensuring better health outcomes and a brighter future for NSW families.”
The Rural Doctor Scholarships Program is administered by the Rural Doctor’s Network.
The NSW Government announced the largest workforce boost in the nation’s history in the 2022-23 Budget with a $4.5 billion investment over four years to recruit 10,148 full-time equivalent staff to hospitals and health services across NSW, with 3,800 of those positions in rural and regional areas.
PHOTO CAPTION: – Upper Hunter Shire Council General Manager Greg McDonald, Mayor Cr Maurice Collison and Health Service Manager Judy Bernasconi with Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell inspecting new staff accommodation at Scott Memorial Hospital, Scone.
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