Maitland Hospital has welcomed an influx of new team members including nurses, midwives, doctors and allied health professionals, as part of a major boost to workforce capacity in the region.

Between July 2023 and September 2024, the hospital increased its number of full-time equivalent (FTE) staff by 10 per cent, growing by 121 FTE and bringing the total to 1,095 FTE.

The staffing increase reflects Maitland’s growing appeal as a place to live and work, supported by the region’s expanding healthcare sector and the $470 million Hospital on Metford Road, which opened in March 2022.

Maitland Hospital has worked hard to improve staff retention, build a supportive work environment, and focus on growth and development opportunities – including through training and education, upskilling into specialty positions, pathway programs and leadership development.

The Minns Labor Government has introduced a broad suite of initiatives to further strengthen the state’s regional health workforce, including:

• implementing the Safe Staffing Levels initiative in our emergency departments
• providing permanent funding for 1,112 FTE nurses and midwives on an ongoing basis
• abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in over a decade for nurses and other health workers
• doubling the Rural Health Workforce Incentives Scheme – from $10,000 to $20,000 to fill to attract, train and retain health workers in some of the hardest to fill critically vacant positions in rural and regional NSW.
• beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities.
• an investment of an additional $200.1 million to deliver more health worker accommodation in regional, rural and remote communities.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park

“I’d like to warmly welcome Maitland’s newest team members and thank them for choosing a fulfilling career with NSW Health.

“Attracting and retaining healthcare workers in regional settings is a longstanding challenge faced by every state and territory in Australia. and the Minns Labor Government is committed to building a more supported regional health workforce.

“Hunter New England Local Health District’s success in growing its staff is a positive indication that we’re addressing this issue directly and that our workforce initiatives are making a difference.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison

“Maitland’s reputation as a great place to live, work, and raise a family is clear.

“The significant increase in staffing at Maitland Hospital reflects the confidence that healthcare professionals have in Maitland’s future and the exceptional quality of life our region provides.

“We know there have been significant improvements needed at Maitland Hospital for years, it’s great that the Minister and the entire Minns Labor government are listening and acting to improve this fantastic facility for patients, nurses, doctors, ancillary staff and the broader community.”

Quotes attributable to Acting General Manager Maitland Hospital, Jenny Martin

“The Maitland region is a fantastic place to live and work, and we look forward to welcoming more colleagues and their families into our vibrant community.

“The growth in staff numbers, including a nine per cent increase in nurses and midwives, 17 per cent in doctors, and five per cent in allied health professionals, reflects our commitment to both excellent patient care and supporting our colleagues in their professional careers.”

Quotes attributable to Maitland Hospital Senior Resident Medical Officer Oncology, Sharmila K C

“I moved to Maitland from Bendigo, Victoria, in February and was drawn to Hunter New England Local Health District’s strong reputation for mentorship, training, and commitment to education.

“Maitland Hospital offers an incredibly supportive environment for both patients and staff, with a close-knit collaborative team culture that focuses on empathy and communication.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of this community and contribute to the growth of health services in the Maitland region.”