Close to 100 new doctors have begun their careers this week on the Gold Coast delivering better health services for Queensland’s second-largest city, the Palaszczuk Government has announced.

Gold Coast-based Palaszczuk Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon welcomed the region’s newest health professionals who today were completing their orientation at the Gold Coast University Hospital.

“The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s fastest-growing areas, and our new doctors will play a critical role in helping to meet the demand for important health services,” Minister Scanlon said.

“They join thousands of hardworking health staff across our city and some 2,400 extra frontline staff hired by Gold Coast Health since the Palaszczuk Government was elected in 2015.

Minister Scanlon said this week’s orientation would ensure all new doctors have a thorough understanding of their roles and responsibilities and are ready to hit the ground running when they begin their placement.

“Our new doctors are part of a record $1.944 billion investment in operational funding for Gold Coast Health, which we increased by 9.6 per cent on the previous year to help meet our city’s booming population.

“Of course, it’s not just new frontline health staff that we’re investing in. We’re also delivering major health projects for the city, including the new $1.3 billion, 404-bed Coomera Hospital, the $72 million Gold Coast University Hospital modular expansion with 70 extra beds, and Robina Hospital expansions which will create 134 new beds.”

The doctors will participate in training workshops as part of their orientation, refining their skills in Basic Life Support and Infection Control.

Acting Executive Director of Medical Services Dr Raghu Murthy said junior doctors would spend time shadowing staff on the wards which is an important part of the orientation process.

“Shadowing has proven invaluable to date in assisting interns to be work-ready when they start on day one,” he said.

“This is where our new doctors have the opportunity to not only get a feel for the wards and their new workplace, but they can ask questions and really get up to speed on all of the processes and procedures.

Many of this year’s interns have come from Gold Coast universities, such as Griffith and Bond, with a smaller cohort are from other universities across Queensland, as well as interstate.

Dr Murthy said this year’s interns will be at the forefront of the digital innovation that is underway at Gold Coast Health.

“It’s an exciting time to join Gold Coast Health. Several innovative and digital solutions are being deployed across our health service.

“We’re changing the way we work, and improving both employee and consumer experiences, and this year’s new doctors will have the opportunity to progress these innovations.”

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz – 0420 592 078