A record number of junior doctors will be deployed across the state in the coming weeks, providing a desperately needed boost to Queensland’s struggling healthcare system.
834 medical interns will start work at 20 facilities, the largest intake of junior doctors in Queensland’s history.
It is also a five per cent increase on the number seen in 2022.
The majority will be sent out across the south east, including 92 here on the Gold Coast.
A further 200 ambulance workers will also join interns on the frontline.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk welcomed the new recruits on Monday.
“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 Premier said.
“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.”
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.”
