Healthcare workforce increase by 4,001 in South Australia

South Australia has significantly expanded its healthcare workforce, adding 4,001 full-time equivalent staff since March 2022, following a major recruitment push, according to health care asia magazine.

The growth includes nurses, doctors, paramedics and allied health professionals, strengthening capacity across the state’s health system. The Central Adelaide Local Health Network recorded the largest increase, with 1,789 additional workers, while the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network added a further 1,044 staff.

Regional areas have also seen notable improvements. Doctor numbers at the Eyre and Far North Local Health Networkrose sharply from just three in 2022 to 21 in 2026. The Yorke and Northern Local Health Network reported an even steeper percentage increase.

Nursing recruitment has exceeded expectations, with 2,091 new hires, far surpassing the 300 originally pledged during the 2022 election. Doctor recruitment has also outperformed targets, reflecting a broader effort to strengthen healthcare delivery across both metropolitan and regional communities.