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.

Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said the interns would support the community as the management of the COVID pandemic continued.

“As a community we have faced huge challenges with COVID, demonstrating how essential it is to ensure our local health system remains strong,” Ms Mullen said.

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said it was an exciting time for healthcare across the region.

“Our healthcare is undertaking a huge transformation, and these new medical interns are an important part of providing our region with the best care possible,” Mr Madden said.

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,” Minister D’Ath said.

West Moreton Health Chief Medical Officer, Associate Professor Dr 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.”

Dr Hayman Lui, who began her internship last year, had some encouraging words for those starting their careers.

“Whatever you aspire to in your career, the supervisors at Ipswich Hospital are supportive and will check in with you after every rotation to discuss your career, goals and preferences,” she said.

“I chose Ipswich Hospital after hearing great things about the culture and opportunities from colleagues who had interned there.

“You really have to have an open perspective, an open mind and be willing to be proactive in your learning.”