Nursing locally, thinking globally: UK-registered nurses and their intentions to leave

The Nursing and Midwifery Board (NMBA) is seeking feedback and public consultation on the proposed guidelines for privately practising nurses (PPNs). This impacts enrolled nurses and registered nurses working privately outside of a health service setting. The NMBA provide an online survey and a detailed consultation paper for reference. Feedback is required by Friday 12 April 2024.

The Royal Australia College of GPs (RACGP) urges the Government to fund more incentives and subsidised training to bolster GP numbers in community areas of need. Current incentives have proven effective, filling 114 training positions in areas of workforce shortage, many of which lacked registrars for extended periods. Newly filled GP training spots rose to 91% in 2024 from 85% in 2023, with an 11% increase in rural placements.

NSW Health added 3,000+ workers between Feb 2023 and Feb 2024, marking the largest annual increase since early last year. The government backs measures to support and strengthen the workforce, including study subsidies for 2,030 new and graduating NSW healthcare students, safe staffing reforms, more funding for permanent roles, pay increases and salary packages for health workers, and the roll-out of 500 extra paramedics in rural and remote areas.

This media statement by the QLD Government announces the beginning of an Australian-first pharmacy pilot in north Queensland. The pilot aims to improve access to healthcare by allowing participating community pharmacists to treat and prescribe medicines for a range of common health conditions. The pilot will expand across the state over the next 12 months and continue until June 2026. Pharmacists need to complete specific education and training to be eligible to participate.