By Angela Dorizas

Queensland Health has revealed its plan to headhunt health professionals from Western Australia who are likely to be affected by budget cuts.

Acting Premier and Minister for Health Paul Lucas said Queensland Health would look to attract health specialists from the Royal Perth Hospital whose jobs were under threat.

“Many of the staff at the Royal Perth Hospital hold designated clinical positions within highly specialised areas of medicine and healthcare and we recognise the valuable contribution such staff could make in Queensland,” Lucas said.

“Recruitment of such specialised staff continues to remain a challenge not only in Queensland but nationally, and that’s why we are keen to take-up any opportunity to recruit staff to areas where they are needed the most, particularly in our rural and regional hospitals.”

A leaked document from Royal Perth Hospital last week revealed that 470 were under threat due to WA Government budget cuts.

Lucas said Queensland Health will run advertisements in WA newspapers calling for expressions of interest.

“From time to time, we advertise employment opportunities in Queensland Health in other states,” Lucas said.

“This is an excellent opportunity to advertise in WA again.”