Qld health minister defends nursing plan

Queensland's health minister is adamant a $212 million four-year plan to bolster the state's nursing workforce will improve patient care.

Cameron Dick says legislating nurse to patient ratios, funding 4000 nurse and midwife graduate places and employing 400 experienced nurses to help patients "navigate the health system" will improve health outcomes, patient safety and readmission rates.

Mr Dick also defended Labor's consultation with the Queensland Nurses Union in developing the plan, saying it was necessary to meet with all stakeholders, including delegates, to "get things right".