Thousands of health graduates heading to the frontline in 2024

JOINT STATEMENT
  • More than 3,600 medical, nursing and midwifery graduates will be deployed across Queensland health facilities this year
  • This includes up to 869 medical interns (first-year doctors), 2,522 nursing graduates and 264 midwifery graduates
  • This latest intake demonstrates the Miles Labor Government’s focus on improving frontline health services and supporting careers in health.

The latest cohort of medical, nursing and midwifery graduates will soon kickstart their career on the frontline, bolstering Queensland’s health workforce.

Up to 869 medical intern positions are available across 20 Queensland facilities throughout 2024 – one of the largest intakes of junior doctors in Queensland’s history.

A total of 838 junior doctors are part of the current intake, which started in late January – one of the largest intakes of junior doctors in Queensland’s history.

This includes 92 medical interns for Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, 93 for Gold Coast University Hospital, 59 for Cairns Hospital and 81 for Townsville University Hospital.

The medical interns will rotate through a variety of units including emergency, cardiology, intensive care, and mental health, gaining a wealth of knowledge through hands-on clinical experience.

Some interns will also have the opportunity to rotate through rural facilities.

In addition, up to 2,522 nursing graduates are expected to commence employment in Queensland’s public hospitals this year, together with 264 midwifery graduates.

Medical interns and nursing and midwifery graduates receive support from experienced practitioners and take part in specialist programs to help them safely and effectively move into their new careers.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“Congratulations to our brand-new Queensland doctors, nurses and midwives on your years of hard work and training.

“Queensland is so lucky to have thousands of health heroes on the frontline, and today we announce that we will welcome thousands more.

“Our state’s fantastic hospitals are the perfect training ground for new doctors, nurses and midwives, and their support in our busy emergency departments will be welcomed right around the state.

“Only a Labor Government will deliver more health workers, year on year.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman:

“Working in healthcare is a challenging yet rewarding career, and Queensland’s hospitals are a great training ground.

“The passion and dedication these new graduates show towards meeting the health needs of their communities is inspiring and I congratulate them on reaching this milestone in their careers.

“Our frontline staff across Queensland do a wonderful job caring for their communities, and I know these new recruits are a much welcome boost to the workforce.

“The Miles Government is committed to bolstering the health workforce and working with university partners to ensure we have the medical graduate supply to keep up with Queensland’s growing demand.”

/Public Release. View in full here.