Leslie Williams, Member for Port Macquarie,  said the recruits are part of the NSW Government’s record $2.8 billion investment to boost the ranks of frontline health staff by 8,300, including 5,000 nurses and midwives over four years. 

Across the state, about 2,600 graduates will launch their careers at 130 public health facilities this year – an increase of 58 per cent since 2011.

Mrs Williams today welcomed the Port Macquarie cohort who will work across all clinical areas at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, including mental health and midwifery.

“Our nurses and midwives are on the frontline at local hospitals providing care to patients and support to their families around the clock, 365 days a year,” Mrs Williams said.

“It doesn’t seem that long ago that I was standing in their position as I graduated as a nurse at this very hospital so I know exactly how they feel today.

“Congratulations to our graduates. I wish them the best of luck with their careers and again welcome the invaluable contribution they make to our health system,” Mrs Williams said.