Staff at Redcliffe Hospital.
Since November 2024, Queensland Health has grown its health workforce by more than 10,000 workers.
This marks a major milestone in strengthening the state’s health workforce and expanding access to care for Queenslanders across the state, including in regional, rural and remote communities.
That’s 10,000 additional workers on the ground in just 20 months who are providing and supporting delivery of high-quality healthcare right across Queensland from Currumbin to Cape York, and is a significant step towards the target of recruiting an additional 46,000 health workers by 2032.
The rapid growth in staff spans critical clinical services as well as the vital support networks that keep health facilities running smoothly and this workforce expansion includes:
- Over 7,000 frontline clinicians: This includes nurses, midwives, doctors, and allied health professionals providing direct care to patients in communities across Queensland.
- Over 2,800 support staff: Non-clinical and clinical support team members whose behind-the-scenes work makes the delivery of high-quality health services possible every day.
Workforce growth remains critical as Queensland responds to increasing demand from a growing and ageing population.
For Queenslanders, workforce growth means better access to the care they need, when and where they need it.
For new recruits, it’s the start of a whole new career doing something they love.
Take Hilary, one of the newest team members at Redcliffe Hospital.
After having a baby late last year, her experience on the maternity ward sparked a passion for a new career in healthcare.
“My experience with Queensland Health was just really positive,” Hilary said.
“I met a lot of lovely patient support officers while I was in the ward and thought, ‘You know what? That’d actually be a great job.’”
Not long after, she was back at Redcliffe Hospital for an interview where she bumped right into one of her midwives in the corridor.
“She was shocked to see me! When I told her I was interviewing, she said I’d be brilliant at it. It was such a nice welcome.”
Naturally, Hilary landed the job as a Patient Support Officer (PSO) and just two weeks in, she’s already in the thick of it.
“There’s so much variety, I’m loving it,” she said.
“Whether I’m transferring patients, helping visitors find their way, or cleaning, the atmosphere is great. Plus, it gives our family real stability now that we have a daughter.”
Making big life changes after having a baby can feel like a massive leap, but Hilary’s advice to anyone on the fence is simple: don't hold back.
“It takes courage, but it’s completely worth it,” she said.
“As someone with alopecia, I’ve always had to push myself out of my comfort zone a bit.
“When you stop holding yourself back, you realise how far you can actually go.”
A huge welcome to Hilary and the thousands of other new staff joining Queensland Health team, and a big thank you to everyone working hard to keep our state healthy.
Redcliffe Hospital patient support officer Hilary.