More than 1000 health workers hit Queensland’s frontline

More than 1000 frontline health workers will kickstart their career on the frontline, bolstering Queensland’s strong health workforce.

834 medical interns will be deployed across 20 Queensland facilities over the next month – the largest intake of junior doctors in Queensland’s history.

A further 200 ambulance operatives will also join them on the frontline in a further boost to better, more accessible health services right across the state.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk welcomed the new recruits.

“My Government is committed to supporting good jobs right here in Queensland,” the Premier said.

“The expertise and energy of these junior doctors will be of big benefit to the communities they will service, and boost accessibility to healthcare in rural, regional and metropolitan hospitals.

“The 200 new paramedics and emergency medical dispatchers will also make a big difference in communities far and wide, as demand for these lifesaving services continues to grow.  

“To the more than 1000 new frontline health workers, welcome to the team. There’s no better place than Queensland to kick start your career.”

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said working in healthcare was a challenging yet rewarding career.

“I have no doubt the hard work these junior doctors and ambulance operatives have put in so far will hold them in good stead as medical professionals,” Minister D’Ath said.

“This time is an opportunity for junior doctors to rotate through a variety of units, gaining a wealth of knowledge through hands-on experience before ultimately deciding what type of doctor they want to be.

“On the road, the Palaszczuk Government has committed an additional 535 ambulance operatives this term of which 488 are already delivering critical frontline services.

“These additional 200 ambulance workers are on top of the 250 ambulance workers QAS has already planned to recruit this year.

“More than 1.4 million ambulances were dispatched in 2022 alone so I know every person committed to helping their fellow Queenslander will be a most valued part of the Queensland Ambulance team.”

Of the over 3,000 daily Triple Zero calls received by Queensland Ambulance Service, approximately 1,400 calls requiring an emergency lights and sirens response for an immediate or imminent life-threatening condition.

More than 1,128,000 triple zero calls were made last year, which is a 10% increase compared to the previous year.

Queensland Ambulance Service Commissioner Craig Emery said the boost of 200 new recruits would ensure the service could provide better care to the community.

“Queensland has one of the most sought-after ambulance service employers in the country,” Commissioner Emery said.

“Last year, more than 540 paramedics completed their induction training with the Queensland Ambulance Service and are now on-road across the State treating patients.

“This announcement means we can bring on even more frontline emergency service workers to help Queenslanders in need.”

Minister D’Ath said people were Queensland Health’s greatest asset.

“Our health system is built on the skills and professionalism of our workforce, which is why the Palaszczuk Government’s record $23.6 billion investment in health will see an additional 9,475 staff employed,” she said.

“That’s nearly 10,000 more staff on hand to deliver world class health care to you, and your family here in Queensland.”

Medical interns across Queensland Hospital and Health Services

ENDS

Media contact: Lucy Collier - 0409 461 324