Media Statements - $2.5million to recruit and train nurses

2/10/05

The State Government will spend more than $2.5million to offer specialised training for nurses, and to recruit extra nurses into Western Australia’s public health system.

Health Minister Jim McGinty said funding from the 2006 Nursing Scholarship Support Scheme had more than doubled since last year, and would significantly increase places for undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students.

“The scholarships are designed to encourage more nurses to take up postgraduate studies, and help undergraduates complete their degree by offering financial assistance,” Mr McGinty said.

“Up to 450 places will be available to undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students next year, up from the 227 that were offered in 2005.

“Scholarships will also be offered to existing nurses to increase their skills in a range of areas such as midwifery, and emergency and intensive care nursing, which will ensure that patients in WA hospitals will continue to receive the best level of care from highly trained staff.”

The funding will be allocated in the following areas:

$470,000 for undergraduate scholarships;

$1million for postgraduate clinical specialisation scholarships for registered nurses;

$270,000 to assist registered nurses to become nurse practitioners;

$300,000 to establish 30 fully funded postgraduate scholarships for mental health nurses in 2006.

Mr McGinty said the Government had also fulfilled its election commitment to enhance the role and profile of enrolled nurses by providing $500,000 to establish post registration courses and scholarship support next year.

The Minister said the extra funding for nurses was part of the Gallop Government’s commitment to recruit an additional 800 nurses for WA’s public hospitals.

Places for the 2006 study year will open tomorrow, and close on November 7, 2005.

Visit http://www.ocno.health.wa.gov.au/ for more information on the scholarships.

Minister's office: 9220 5000