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A record-breaking intake of new nurses and midwives are putting their hearts into healthcare at Mater.
Two hundred and eleven graduate nurses and midwives are starting their first jobs at 11 Mater private and public hospitals this week – up from 156 last year.
Across the state, the Queensland Government estimates that an extra 21,300 new nurses are needed by 2032 to cope with growing patient demand and a wave of senior nurses approaching retirement.
Mater’s new recruits are joining hospitals in South Brisbane, Springfield, the Redlands, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg.
Lucy Hindle, 21, has moved to Brisbane from Coffs Harbour to start her first role as a Registered Midwife at Mater Mothers’ Hospital, where around 10,000 new Queenslanders are born each year.
“I’ve wanted to work in midwifery and women’s health since I left school – and now it’s happening,” Ms Hindle said.
“I chose Mater because it aligns with my values and I’ve heard great things about its graduate midwife program.
“I’ve already helped to deliver 30 babies in training and I can’t wait to get started at Mater Mothers’.”
This year’s graduates include new Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives, as well as Enrolled Nurses – 34 of whom completed Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing courses in Brisbane, Springfield and Townsville prior to securing their new roles.
Mater Group Chief Executive Julia Strickland-Bellamy said the new recruits would be at the forefront of caring for almost 700,000 Queensland patients this year.
“Demand for hospital and health care in Queensland is continuing to grow and Mater’s frontline workforce is growing to meet that demand,” Ms Strickland-Bellamy said.
“Our nurses and midwives are at the heart of the service we provide to the community.
“They combine compassion with clinical excellence.
“We set high standards for our staff, but I’m certain the class of 2026 will more than meet them.”
