Rural and remote nurses to improve patient care

Queensland Health is investing in improving the knowledge and skills of nurses in rural and remote areas, with a funding boost and more staff training.

Last financial year the department provided almost $2 million to support training of 101 nurses throughout regional Queensland.

Details of the program were outlined in the Department of Health annual report tabled in State Parliament today.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said ensuring rural and remote nurses had appropriate support and learning opportunities was essential to good health in those areas.

“About one-third of registered nurses delivering frontline services in rural and remote areas are 55 years and older and are likely to retire within the next 5–10 years,” Mr Springborg said.

“To offset this expected retirement peak, Queensland Health has made employing and supporting a structured learning pathway for first year of practice nurses into rural and remote areas, a priority.

“This is essential to ensure ongoing quality and accessible care for these communities.

“Employment of registered nurse graduates is also expected to reduce agency nurse costs across participating hospital and health services (HHS).”

Nurses who benefitted from the funding included:

• 25 in the South West HHS
• 18 in the Central West HHS
• 17 in the North West HHS
• 15 in the Mackay HHS
• 13 in the Central Queensland HHS
• 8 in Townsville HHS
• 4 in the Torres Strait-Northern Peninsula HHS
• 1 in Cairns and Hinterland HHS.

[ENDS] 30 September 2013

Media contact: Cameron Thompson 0407 585 230