More than 200 new graduate nurses, midwives, and doctors have begun working across the Central Coast this year, significantly strengthening the region’s health services. Among them, 138 graduate nurses and midwives will gain hands-on experience in emergency departments, acute care, maternity, mental health, and other specialties within the Central Coast Local Health District. These new staff are part of over 3,200 graduate nurses and midwives commencing roles across the NSW public health system in 2026, working alongside experienced colleagues to develop the skills and knowledge needed to care for diverse communities.
In addition, 69 new graduate intern doctors have joined the Local Health District, already providing patient care and much-needed support to frontline health staff. These medical graduates, who have completed their degrees, are undertaking a supervised internship year required for general registration. The interns rotate through metropolitan, regional, and rural hospitals and across multiple specialties—including surgery, medicine, and emergency medicine—benefiting from both formal training and practical on-the-job experience within NSW Health.
This intake forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader strategy to build a capable, engaged, and supported health workforce. Measures include abolishing the wages cap and providing the largest healthcare wage increase in a decade, implementing safe staffing ratios in emergency departments, protecting over 1,100 nursing positions previously at risk of being cut, and supporting future healthcare workers with study subsidies.
Minister for Health Ryan Park emphasized that the new graduates will strengthen the NSW Health workforce, delivering essential support to patients, families, and carers, while gaining valuable experience from some of the country’s most skilled healthcare professionals. Local members, including David Harris, Yasmin Catley, David Mehan, and Liesl Tesch, highlighted the importance of the staffing boost in meeting the growing population’s healthcare needs, supporting frontline staff, and enhancing access to quality care across the Central Coast.
This recruitment surge complements recent infrastructure developments, such as the $200 million Wyong Hospital redevelopment and expanded maternity services at Gosford Hospital, ensuring residents have timely, high-quality healthcare close to home.
