More than 1,500 new health workers have joined Tasmania's health system since April, as the Tasmanian Government continues its largest ever recruitment blitz.
The latest figures follow Tasmania's efforts to boost the health system through a nation-wide and international recruitment campaign which was launched in April as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, said many of the 1,500 health workers who have commenced work have moved from interstate or overseas.
"We've been pulling out all the stops to attract more health workers to Tasmania and our efforts are clearly working," Minister Petrusma said.
"If you're a healthcare worker that's looking for a job, we want you. That's the message we have sent to the world.
"By boosting our health system with more nurses, more doctors, more paramedics and other healthcare workers, we can provide the care Tasmanian's need, sooner."
Since March 2014, the number of nurses in our health system has increased by over 1,750 FTE to a total of 5,140 FTE – an increase of nearly 52 per cent in the number of nurses employed. The number of doctors has also increased by 518 FTE to 1,374 FTE – an increase of more than 60 per cent.
"These figures highlight how we have invested significantly more in health services and the health workforce over the last ten years to meet the growing demand for care, and we will continue to do exactly that," Minister Petrusma said.
"We are committed to growing the health workforce needed to ensure Tasmanians get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
"I'd like to give a warm welcome to all of our new doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, cleaners, and administrative staff from all over Australia and the world."
The Tasmanian Government continues to offer lucrative incentives as part of its recruitment efforts to attract more nurses and midwives, with relocation allowances of up to $15,000 for those who move to Tasmania from interstate, and $10,000 scholarships for Tasmanian nursing and midwifery graduates who remain in our State.
