Incentives for GP trainees, 45,000 more healthcare workers by 2032, and $115 million for First Nations career pathways are just a few of the measures promised.
At the same time as Cameron Dick was throwing money at healthcare like confetti during his state budget delivery speech yesterday, Queensland Health took a moment to release its $1.7 billion Health Workforce Strategy for Queensland to 2032.
The strategy, according to the department’s announcement, “aims to expand the entire workforce by 45,000 people by 2032”.
“This includes a projected 46.4% increase in the nursing and midwifery workforce, with 19,000 more on the frontline.”
Almost $667 million will be invested in three key areas:
- supporting and retaining the current workforce ($387.76 million);
- building new talent pipelines and attracting talent ($96.85 million); and,
- adapt and implement new ways to deliver healthcare ($182 million).
According to the department the initial $1 billion investment (budget to budget) will translate into an additional 700 doctors, 2600 nurses and midwives, and 1000 allied health staff.
“This investment also prioritises staff and patient safety,” said the department.
“A $36 million commitment will increase security personnel across hospitals and health services. This includes adding up to 70 fulltime equivalent positions and 12 ambassador roles.
“The government will continue implementing security enhancements like CCTV installation, swipe card access, duress alarms, body worn cameras for security staff, and other measures.”
Over $30 million will be used to grow the First Nations pipeline, including support for existing FN healthcare workers, along with “adapting work practices to deliver more equitable services”.
According to the Strategy’s investment plan the biggest spending will go to the following areas:
- $160 million for the introduction of 10 days per annum (non-cumulative) paid reproductive health leave for workers, including for each parent to receive fertility/IVF treatment; chronic reproductive health conditions; preventative screening associated with reproductive health; and treatment associated with reproductive health.
- $114.8 million for the proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Certified Agreement, which contains a range of new arrangements and enhancements for the state’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce including “competitive compensation, development support, incentives, and additional aid for the workforce in remote areas”. The investment will also support cultural leave of up to 10 paid days.
- $64 million for the continued rollout of the Integrated Workforce Management Program electronic rostering, providing a single workforce management platform to inform strategic workforce planning and efficient workforce management decision making.
- $44 million over four years to establish a new statewide adult forensic examination model of care. This initiative is part of a new sexual assault response service for persons aged over 14 years, which aims to provide consistent, timely, and high-quality forensic medical services to all victims of sexual violence across Queensland.
- $40 million for the expansion of the current Workforce Attraction Incentive Scheme. Health workers from interstate or overseas who move to Queensland may be eligible for payments under this scheme.
- $29 million for continued support of ongoing service delivery due to staff accessing special pandemic leave in relation to covid.
- $24 million to bolster Queensland’s primary care service by incentivising trainees to undertake GP training. This investment is for $40,000 per trainee.
The full strategy and investment plan is available here.