Healthcare across the Ipswich region has been boosted with 33 new intern doctors joining the team at Ipswich Hospital.

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard welcomed the interns just days after the Palaszczuk Government confirmed the $20.65 million purchase of buildings and land to advance the Ipswich Health Precinct.

“These new intern doctors, along with graduate nurses who will join the team throughout the year, have such an important role to play as they come at a time of a global pandemic,” Ms Howard said.

Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the new interns would enjoy rewarding careers caring for the Ipswich community.

“Our new medical interns have worked incredibly hard to get to this point to be taking the next steps in their careers in the fastest growing healthcare region in Queensland,” Mr McCallum said.

West Moreton Health Chief Medical Officer, Associate Professor Deepak Doshi, said almost 90 per cent of the 2020 cohort had chosen to continue their careers at Ipswich Hospital in 2021.

“Our high retention rate indicates the exceptional opportunities that West Moreton Health presents to our interns,” Dr Doshi said.

“Not only will they launch their career with us, they will get their grounding at a health service that prioritises person-centred care and constantly reminds staff that they are valued.”

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the Palaszczuk Government would continue to deliver a strong health response to the global pandemic.

“We’re supporting an additional 9,475 frontline health workers over the next four years, including an additional 5,800 nurses, 1,500 new doctors and an extra 475 paramedics,” Ms D’Ath said.