Frontline health staff will soon have access to more much needed worker accommodation, with a further 22 rural accommodation units for staff set to be rolled out across Hunter New England Local Health District, as part of the NSW Government’s $35 million Regional Housing Package.
Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said after the delivery of four units at Scott Memorial Hospital, Scone another two units will be delivered at Singleton Hospital later in the year.
They join 22 units already available to visiting health workers in Quirindi, Gunnedah, Walcha, Armidale, Glen Innes and Inverell.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government knows that accommodation is a key determining factor for many visiting medical, nursing and allied health staff when choosing a facility to work,” Mr Layzell said.
“We’re working hard to attract temporary and permanent staff to our local health facilities and having safe and comfortable housing close to the hospital is one of the many incentives on offer.”
Minister for Regional Health, Bronnie Taylor said the continued investment in safe and comfortable housing for health workers would support ongoing recruitment efforts.
“Having seen the first tranche of units and speaking with staff, I’m pleased we’ve been able to deliver key worker accommodation that’s sustainable, close to our facilities and with stylish and comfortable amenities.”
“The continued investment in these sustainable accommodation units means we can re-invest funds that were previously used for off-site accommodation, back into frontline services.”
The new accommodation units will be used to support visiting specialists, medical officers, nurses, midwives and allied health staff on short term contracts. They will also be available to staff who have permanently relocated while they secure local housing.
The District received $20 million as part of the NSW Government’s $35 million Regional Housing Package, which is driving construction in regional areas and delivering critical health accommodation improvements for staff.
The $35 million-dollar Regional Housing Package for Health is part of the NSW Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package to deliver long term support and certainty for the regions.
Hunter New England Local Health District was the first to implement the facilities, with Western NSW Local Health District rolling out key worker accommodation in the district soon after.
PICTURE CAPTION: Dave Layzell at Singleton Hospital and the units being established on site at Scott Memorial Hospital, Scone in August 2022.
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