Queensland Nurses’ Union claims 700 nursing and midwifery positions cut from Brisbane’s north

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Cuts to health jobs on Brisbane’s northside have had a serious impact on local services, the Queensland Nurses’ Union (QNU) has said.

The union claims government figures show 700 nursing and midwifery positions have been cut from Brisbane’s metro north region since the LNP took office in 2012.

The State Government disputes the union’s claims, saying that is not the case.

But union secretary Beth Mohle said hospitals and other sectors like aged care had been affected.

“Our members who have been left behind in those services are being asked to do more with less,” she said.

“But there have been reduced services, particularly not only within hospitals, but in the non-acute sector such as state government nursing homes but also community-based services.”

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg accused the union of making deceptive and dishonest allegations.

“In actual fact the LNP is employing more nurses and more doctors in Queensland,” he said.

“The only cuts in our nursing workforce in Queensland came about as a consequence of Labor’s payroll debacle and the $130 million black hole and also Wayne Swan ripping $103 million out of the Queensland Health budget.”

Source: ABC