Happy International Nurses Day

Today, Queenslanders are saying thanks to those at the heart of healthcare on International Nurses Day.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath praised frontline staff for their constant care and compassion for Queenslanders.

“Queensland nurses are the backbone of our health system and more importantly, they are patient advocates often also counselling families during difficult times,” Ms D’Ath said.

“Nurses and midwives make up 63 per cent of the clinical workforce in Queensland. This equates to more than 46,000 individuals supporting our community around the clock.

"Since 2015 the Palaszczuk Government has delivered 7500 additional nurses and midwives, and legislated nurse to patient ratios, which research shows can reduce the chance of re-admission and result in shorter hospital stays."

Minister D’Ath said the Queensland Government was proud to support nurses through several nursing initiatives across the state’s hospital and health services.

“In March this year, we established a nursing Pandemic Surge Pool to provide nursing graduates the opportunity to start their careers,” Ms D’Ath said.

“The Palaszczuk Government has also funded about $245 million for the nurse navigator initiative between the 2015-2016 and 2020 and 2021 financial years.

"I want to congratulate all Queensland's nurses and midwives for their outstanding work in caring for Queenslanders."

Media contact: Martin Philip 0407 675 008